Big players make big plays in the biggest of games. Seattle Sounders Designated Player Albert Rusnák demonstrated yet again on Saturday night in a 1-1 draw with the rival Portland Timbers why he’s been consistently one of the best attacking midfielders in Major League Soccer.
Half an hour into a scoreless match, Rusnák received a dropped pass from Danny Musovski at the top of the box. Rusnák patiently collected the pass, cut the ball to his right then fired a shot through the legs of his defender that skipped past goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau at the near post.
“It was a classic Albert Rusnák goal,” said Head Coach Brian Schmetzer. “As soon as he got the ball on his foot, I knew he was going to score. He’s done that countless times in his career.”
Fullback Alex Roldan echoed Schmetzer’s sentiments, calling it Rusnák’s signature move.
“As soon as that ball went to him, I knew he was going through the legs [of the defender],” said Roldan. “Albert creates so much for us, especially on that left-hand side…He has very underrated qualities that people take for granted. When he gets into that position to look to shoot, his quality shows.”
Rusnák is coming off an excellent 2024, a year in which he posted double digits in both goals (10) and assists (16), the latter of which was tied with Leo Messi for third in MLS. So far in 2025, Rusnák has six goals and three assists in 13 matches, with four goals in his last four games.
“He’s always looking to get players in better positions to contribute with either goals or assists,” Roldan said of Rusnák. “We rely on him a lot to create these moments, and when he’s not in those positions, you can see how it affects our team. He’s vital.”
When praise for his specific performance was lauded, Rusnák was quick to demur, citing a collective effort from everyone involved.
“As a team, we played pretty well today,” Rusnák said. “We created a lot of chances…I feel like the whole team was clicking: defense, midfield, up front.”
The Sounders closed out a three-match road trip over eight days, taking four points from nine as they head back to Lumen Field for three consecutive home contests beginning with FC Dallas next Saturday (12 p.m. PT; Watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV | TICKETS). Rusnák in the three away games this past week recorded three goals and five key passes.
“I thought [Rusnák] was very good tonight, very influential,” said Schmetzer. “I gave him good marks.”
