When the Seattle Sounders fell 2-1 to Austin FC at Lumen Field back on Aug. 19, it felt like there might not be a light at the end of the tunnel this season.
The team had just lost its eighth consecutive match in league play with a mounting injury list. But the team dug deep and rattled off five straight draws, with its struggling offense showing signs of explosive potential.
Fast forward to today, and the team has climbed back into the playoff spots on the back of a seven-game unbeaten run, including a pair of victories in their last two outings.
Currently in 9th place with two games in-hand, the team controls their own destiny in postseason qualification as they finish out their final eight regular season matches.
A collaborative effort, no doubt, there is one player specifically who’s risen to the occasion and been a huge difference maker in the team’s latest results. Attacking midfielder Albert Rusnák has posted one goal and six assists in the team’s last seven matches, helping the team steady the ship and get into a position to climb the table.
“It's him just being able to adapt to what the opponent's giving him, but being more aggressive,” said Assistant Coach Freddy Juarez. “When he receives the ball, [when] we were able to build out the back or unbalance the opponent, he picks it up in front of the back line [and] you'll see more aggression, whether that's with the pass or with the dribble.”
Bring the Noise
Enjoy the Rave Pack —a two-match offering filled with high-energy, high-stakes matches at Lumen Field. Open with our Sept. 9 battle against Sporting Kansas City, and finish with a Saturday-night showdown vs. Eastern Conference foe CF Montrêal.
Against the Rapids, he provided the game-tying assist to newcomer Caden Clark and a perfectly placed free kick to Cristian Roldan who flicked the ball into the back of the net. A few days later, the Slovak international knocked one in himself from distance, extending the lead to two over Real Salt Lake. On Sept. 26, he recorded an assist in both halves in the team’s 3-1 victory against the Loons for Jordan Morris and Paul Arriola.
“It's a combination of getting players back [from injury] and things are starting to click within the team because you know if the team's not doing well, there's not going to be any individual that's going to stand out or score a lot of goals or have many assists,” said Rusnák, humbly. “You always need a team to do well in order for the individuals to then shine in one way or another, attacking, defensive, whatever that is.”
A steadying presence with the ability to break a game open, Rusnák has provided a spark during a difficult season for Seattle. And these efforts are not uncommon for the veteran player. During a season in which the team has struggled to find the back of the net, Rusnák has quietly posted 12 assists in regular-season play – the second-most in MLS.
“We're putting a lot more emphasis on set pieces so he's gotten a few assists [through that]. We know his passing ability is a strength of his, so if we can get more corner kicks, more set piece opportunities, it gives us an opportunity to get Albert on that,” said Juarez. “He has amazing vision, he's always been a really technical player, he can receive in tight areas, great passing range…. It's just [about] getting him into good areas.”
As of last Saturday, he’s tallied 50 assists across all-competitions since joining the club in 2022, becoming the fourth player in club history to achieve such a feat. A monumental milestone, he now ranks alongside the likes of Sounders legends Nico Lodeiro, Roldan and Fredy Montero.
“It's a nice thing to hear, a nice stat, and I think Fredy is one ahead, so I think that can [tie him] this year,” said Rusnák. “Cristian is a little further ahead and Nico is on his own up there. But yeah, goals and assists help us win games, get points, win things. So, if I can contribute that way to the team's success, then it's always a positive.”
Rusnák maintaining this rich vein of form will be vital for Seattle as they look to climb the standings in the West.
“We need Albert. Even if he can give a little bit more, we always try to challenge him,” said Juarez.
“It's not just about the stats of what everyone sees, goals and assists. You have to have that mentality of being a grinder and helping the team win and achieve on the defensive side. And to be fair, he's done that. There's moments that we got to get on him and continue to push him like any player, but he's been really good at that, and he's a really smart player, so he knows how to adapt.”
