Albert Rusnák
SEA
AM (CF)
Creative Playmaker
Jul 7, 1994 (32)
Right
5'11"
134 lb
Seattle SoundersRegisters most crosses
Rusnak registered two shots (two on goal), 10 crosses (one accurate) and nine corners in Saturday's 0-0 draw versus New York Red Bulls.
Analysis: Rusnak recorded the most crosses in the game, created four chances and also made 34 passes. He displayed an amazing work rate, covering 10 kilometers. He had recorded an assist in each of his last three games, but failed to put up an assist despite creating four chances.
Assist in three straight
Rusnak had an assist while taking an off target shot, crossing four times (two accurate) and creating three chances during Saturday's 2-2 draw with Chicago.
Analysis: Rusnak set up Dejan Joveljic in the 48th minute while leading Seattle in crosses and chances created during the draw. The attacking midfielder has an assist in three straight matches while combining for six shots, nine chances created and 22 crosses over that stretch.
Credited with assist off bench
Rusnak assisted once to go with four crosses (one accurate) and three corners in Saturday's 1-1 draw against FC Cincinnati.
Analysis: Rusnak needed only six minutes to make an impact after replacing Antino Lopez, setting up Kossa-Rienzi for Seattle's equalizer in the 83rd minute with a perfect low cross. The assist was Rusnak's sixth of the season, and his introduction provided Seattle with some much-needed creativity during the closing stages. Rusnak has been criticized this season, but don't be surprised if he returns to the XI, as few players on the Seattle roster can deliver the kind of creativity Rusnak brings to the table on a steady basis.
Logs assists in defeat
Rusnak assisted once to go with five shots (one on goal), 14 crosses (two accurate) and seven corners in Wednesday's 2-1 defeat versus Austin FC.
Analysis: Rusnak found the scoresheet Wednesday, going the full 90 minutes for a sixth straight match. Over that run, he's delivered two assists, sent in 38 crosses, created 11 chances, and produced 15 shots from midfield.
Assists in blowout loss
Rusnak assisted once to go with one shot (one on goal), six crosses (three accurate) and two corners in Thursday's 5-1 loss to Portland Timbers.
Analysis: Rusnak assisted Hassani Dotson's header in the 87th minute Thursday, a fairly meaningless goal as Seattle was still down by three following the strike. It marked his seventh goal contribution of the season and he was fairly easily his side's most productive attacker in the blowout loss. He'll hope to help get his team back on track Wednesday at Austin FC.
Active off bench in loss
Rusnak registered two shots (one on goal), eight crosses (one accurate) and four corners in Saturday's 2-0 defeat against Los Angeles Galaxy.
Analysis: Rusnak came off the bench in the second half as the Sounders attempted a late turnaround. Even though they couldn't get the job done, Rusnak certainly made his presence felt with how involved he was on offense. Look for the veteran playmaker to make an impact -- and potentially return to the XI -- when the Sounders take on LAFC on Sunday in their last game before the World Cup break.
Converts from spot
Rusnak scored one goal to go with two shots (two on goal), eight crosses (two accurate) and eight corners in Wednesday's 3-2 victory versus San Jose Earthquakes.
Analysis: Rusnak leveled the match in Wednesday's 3-2 win over San Jose, stepping up to convert a penalty into the bottom-left corner past Daniel in the first half after a San Jose foul inside the box to pull his side back to 1-1 and halt the momentum created by the visitors' early strike, while adding three key passes and eight crosses. The Slovak playmaker operates as the creative hub in Seattle's midfield, linking midfield and attack through quick combinations and progressive passing, and was central to his side's second-half control that led to both Jesus Ferreira's goal and Osaze Tafari De Rosario's winner. Rusnak has scored three goals and provided three assists across 10 MLS appearances this season.
Offensive stalwart
Rusnak had three shots (zero on goal), 11 crosses (five accurate) and seven corners in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus San Diego FC.
Analysis: Rusnak was unlucky to not score or assist given his stat line, and he'll be a key factor in Seattle's attack against a stout San Jose Earthquakes defense in the next match. If he maintains this level of volume and crossing accuracy, the attacker should be able to find one or two holes in San Jose's defense.
Set to return against SKC
Rusnak (hamstring) is "available and ready to go" ahead of Saturday's clash against Sporting Kansas City, according to coach Brian Schmetzer, Jackson Felts of KJR Radio reports.
Analysis: Rusnak produced two goals and three assists across seven matches played before missing one game with his muscle injury. In addition to his open play output, he's one of the squad's main set-piece takers, so he should have plenty of offensive value when he's back on the pitch. He'll be in contention with Jesus Ferreira going forward.
Training separately
Rusnak (hamstring) has continued to do limited training work while he recovers from his injury, Niko Moreno of Pulso Sports reports.
Analysis: Rusnak is not fully fit after missing the previous MLS game with a muscular problem, so he'll remain questionable for the next few weeks. The attacker alternated starts and substitute appearances over the last few contests prior to the injury, but he's an important player for the squad, having scored two goals and three assists this year while taking consistent set pieces. Jesus Ferreira is likely to see increased action if Rusnak remains out in the short term.
Questionable with hamstring concern
Rusnak is listed as questionable for Saturday's match against Dallas with a hamstring injury, per the MLS Player Status Report.
Analysis: Rusnak is a new addition to Seattle's report with a hamstring issue that has him uncertain for Saturday, coming after he left their last contest early. He's a legitimate fantasy asset when healthy and in the lineup, and a hamstring in questionable territory always carries the risk of a late scratch. He could see the start if deemed fit, with Jesus Ferreira likely to start again if Risnak is out.
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