Paul Rothrock knows what it means to be resilient.
In arguably the deepest position group on the roster, Rothrock has fought his way to earning significant minutes this season on the wing. Rightfully so, given the energy and reliability he brings to the pitch regardless of if he’s in the starting lineup.
“He outworks everyone,” said Assistant Coach Freddy Juarez. “He's a type that, when he sees the top of the hill, and he's at the bottom, he’s eager to climb that mountain. Everything has had to be earned, and he continues to prove people wrong.”
In 2025 alone, the Seattle local has put up steady numbers for the Sounders, tallying five goals and six assists across all competitions. Beyond the stat sheet, Rothrock has supplied some of the most unforgettable moments of the campaign. His iconic goal and celebration to cap off the Sounders’ 3-0 win over Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup final will forever be cemented in the history books.
When the Seattle local made the decision to pursue a professional soccer career — and even in moments before that — he felt like he was undervalued, undersized and misunderstood.
That only ignited the fire within him.
Rothrock began his pro soccer journey at Toronto FC for two seasons where his opportunities to the First Team were limited and he was faced with tribulations that included hand and ankle surgeries before being released from the club in 2023.
In an interview with SoundersFC.com last year, the midfielder said he “was kind of in a weird spot after that and didn't know where to go…. didn't have a whole lot of interest from teams.”
But, with discussions with former Defiance Head Coach and now Director of Development Wade Webber, the club found a spot for him on the second team, despite not having a plan for him or an idea of where to play him.
Rothrock took that opportunity and ran with it. Through consistency in training and in matches, giving his 100% no matter the circumstances, and stepping up to the occasion when he’s called upon, he’s risen from being a last-minute addition to the Defiance to being a vital asset to the First Team.
“It's been cool that it's been something that's defined my career, and I'm sure there will be more moments that I'll have to persevere through,” said Rothrock. “So, I feel lucky that I have some of those lessons from the past to lean on in those moments.”
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His mental fortitude also comes with a sort of selfless demeanor every time he shows up to training or a matchday. Not only does he serve as a guide for some of the younger players on the team when they go through hardships or similar experiences, he also goes out of his way to understand the way his teammates play to support them to his utmost ability.
He describes himself as a "connector” of the group.
“I try to build good connections with the guys I'm playing with, and I think getting to know my teammates helps with that, like learning what types of passes they like,” he said. “I would also say, I'm an energy guy, and I try and bring that every game but also try and bring a tactical awareness to what we're trying to do on each different occasion.”
And it doesn’t go unnoticed. When asked about Rothrock's value to the Sounders beyond goals and assists, Juarez commented on the midfielder’s love for his team.
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“He'll sacrifice his body for the team. He'll effortlessly run for the team, defending, attacking, running in behind, dirty work for the group,” he said. “But then what people don't see is, after every game, he's ready to watch it back. He's just a student of the game, and that's one thing that has really separated him from a lot of other players.”
While Rothrock has shown immense impact in the 2025 season thus far — both on and off the pitch — he’s got unfinished business. As the Sounders gear up for the MLS Cup Playoffs, the team will need Rothrock’s undeniable effort and grit to power them through tough opponents, beginning with Minnesota United in the Round One, Best-of-3 series.
He’s more than ready to do just that.
“These are the moments that you dream of all season,” said Rothrock. “So, looking at [the potential of winning two trophies this year], and then, just being really dialed into each moment on the field, doing the same thing that we've done all year [while being] just a little bit better than our normal, we have a chance to do something really special.”
Tune in to watch Rothrock and the Sounders begin the Round One series against the Loons on Monday, Oct. 27 at Allianz Field (6 p.m. PT; Watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, Apple TV+, FS1, FOX Deportes, TSN/RDS, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360AM).
