Following the club's 4-0 win over Columbus Crew on Saturday evening, Seattle Sounders players Albert Rusnák, Jordan Morris, Cristian Roldan and Josh Atencio were named to Major League Soccer’s Team of the Matchday for Matchday 31.
Rusnák, Morris and Roldan earned Starting XI honors, while Atencio obtained a spot on the bench.
Rusnák’s hat trick put him in position to receive a starting spot. Not only did he provide the opening goal with a rocketed free kick into the left corner, he also added two more golazos in the 67th and 70th minutes to secure the victory for the Rave Green.
Morris’ recognition comes from his assist to Rusnák's third goal and a stellar finish in the 60th minute that extended the Sounders’ lead to two. After driving down the middle of the pitch, the Mercer Island native passed the ball out wide to Paul Rothrock, who then performed a give-and-go sequence for Morris to receive the ball back and shoot one-time into the back of the net.
Roldan and Atencio also had dominant performances, controlling the momentum of the match through the middle of the pitch. From contributing in the build-up of the attack to shutting down opposition in the Sounders’ defensive half, the two midfielders were valuable components in the team’s victory over the former MLS Champions. Atencio posted an assist, three interceptions and four duels won while Roldan recorded 13 recoveries, five duels won and a passing rate of 91 percent.
The Sounders return to action on Sept. 15 when they host Sporting Kansas City at Lumen Field (4:15 p.m. PT; Watch on FREE on Apple TV | TICKETS).
