Albert Rusnák has always had a winning, results-driven ethos.
Rusnák first emerged as one of the top playmakers in the league during his five seasons with Real Salt Lake. Since joining the Sounders in 2022, he has helped the club win its first-ever Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup titles.
Now, Rusnák has his sights set on winning his MLS Cup, helping the Sounders add another trophy and a third star above their crest.
“When I was coming [to Seattle in 2022], I was in MLS long enough to know what the Sounders were about in this league, and that they always compete and win things,” said Rusnák. “So ultimately, I feel like I fit right into the culture of the organization. And, it's been a great four years, but we still have something to play for this year.”
There is a reason why he is one of three Designated Players on the roster. After spending his first two seasons in Seattle as a deep-lying midfielder, Rusnák was handed the keys to the attack as the No. 10 in 2024. Since then, he’s posted double digital goals and assists in 2024 and 2025 regular season competition, in addition to becoming the 13th player in MLS history to reach 70 contributions in both stats since his arrival to the league in 2017.
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“His final product is what separates him from most players, his ability to get shots off in tight spaces, his set piece delivery and his ability to find passes in the final third,” said midfielder Cristian Roldan.
Beyond the stat sheet, he leads the team by example through his veteran presence, his ability to connect with his teammates on and off the pitch and his talent to make big plays in high-pressure moments.
Roldan specifically called out his calmness as an important quality the Slovak international carries as he guides the team in demanding circumstances.
“Especially in a playoff game when things aren't going your way, you need to rely on guys that have been there before, and Albert's definitely one of those [players],” said Roldan. “It's great to have someone like that leading our attack.”
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He brings a selflessness to the Sounders squad that embodies what it means to be a champion. In forming relationships with his teammates on the field, he learns their strengths and weaknesses and how he can best support them.
“He's an example of understanding how guys play and what makes them so good,” said Roldan.
It is clear Rusnák is a valuable asset to the Sounders squad in more ways than one, and a much-needed protagonist as the team makes its way to a must-win situation on Monday when the team faces Minnesota United in Match 2 of the Round One, Best-of-3 series of the MLS Cup playoffs (7:45 p.m. PT; Watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, Apple TV+, FS1, FOX Deportes, TSN/RDS, iHeart App, SiriusXM FC 157, El Rey 1360AM | TICKETS).
Against a team that sits in a low block majority of the 90 minutes, it is crucial for the Sounders to get an early goal in order to set the tone and draw Minnesota out of their compact structure. The expectation is for Rusnák to pick the Loons’ lock and open up the match for the Rave Green.
"[Whether it be] the final product, the pass, the assist or the goal, Albert will contribute in some way if we're going to be successful,” said Roldan.
