The pressure was on for the Seattle Sounders as the clock ticked down to the final minutes of the match against FC Dallas Saturday afternoon.
With the score level at 0-0, all eyes were on Albert Rusnák in the 86th minute as the midfielder lined up at the spot after FC Dallas had conceded a penalty kick.
The Slovak international was the perfect picture of composure as he rolled the ball past Dallas’ goalkeeper Maarten Paes to secure a 1-0 win for the Rave Green.
“Ice cold penalty,” Head Coach Brian Schmetzer said of Rusnák’s game-winner.
In a match full of frustration, according to the midfielder, the goal felt like a weight was lifted off his shoulders. His celebration after-the-fact reflected the cathartic nature of the moment.
“It kept brewing and brewing,” said Rusnák, “And I think when I scored, I kind of just let it out.”
As soon as the ball hit the back of the net, Rusnák ripped off his jersey, ran to the stands, and threw the uniform into the crowd.
“I loved his show of emotion,” said Schmetzer. “The game was there, and, you know, maybe there were some frustrations. Maybe we didn't play up to our potential, but you know, he was there and he finished the job.”
It was an exciting moment for the midfielder, who not only scored his fifth goal in five matches but also reached a major milestone in his career.
With the second half goal, Rusnák became the second player in MLS history to record at least 25 goals and 25 assists with multiple clubs in regular season competition. Prior to his move to Seattle, Rusnák collected 41 goals and 39 assists with Real Salt Lake over the course of five seasons.
“Albert had a really successful couple of years with us,” said Schmetzer. “He's been very good since he first came to the league for RSL. He's just a quality player.”
Educators Night (vs. San Diego FC)
Say thank you to our incredible educators with a $22 ticket and a Sounders-branded bento box—perfect for fueling up for another day of inspiring minds. Show your support and enjoy an unforgettable matchday!
Kickoff at 5:30 p.m. PT on May 28.
While the achievement is worth recognizing, the tenured player remains humble, with his main focus being on the match at hand and how he can support his team to victory. Whether it be his ability to create the most chances in the match (5) or his game-winning goal, Rusnák certainly played a contributing role in the team’s three points on Saturday afternoon.
“After the Portland game, our media guys told me that I'm one goal away from that [milestone],” said Rusnák. “But that wasn't on my mind. I knew that was going to come whenever, and there was no kind of pressure to get to that. I always say I don't really care about records and all that. Just trying to win games.”
Rusnák and the Sounders will look to build on this result as they face San Diego FC on Wednesday night at Lumen Field (5:30 p.m. PT, Watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM | TICKETS).
