Seattle Sounders midfielder Albert Rusnák has scored seven goals across MLS play during the 2023 season. All seven of his tallies have been game-winning goals - including two in the postseason - demonstrating just how vital he has been for the Rave Green attack in his second season. Rusnák's role as a central creative force will be especially vital in the Sounders' upcoming Western Conference Semifinal match against LAFC on Nov. 26 (6:30 p.m. PT; Watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360AM, Sirius XM FC 157 | TICKETS).
Let's break down each of Rusnák's game-winning goals this season.
SEAvDAL 11-10-2023 (MLS Cup Playoffs)
Rusnák's recent game-winner came from the Sounders' 1-0 victory over FC Dallas in Match 3 of the Round One series of the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. The attacking midfielder opened the scoring for the Sounders squad just before halftime, latching on to a through ball from João Paulo before calmly slotting his finish past the goalkeeper.
SEAvDAL 10-30-23 (MLS Cup Playoffs)
Rusnák's sixth goal of the year came from a PK in Match 1 of the Round One three-game series. Rusnák placed the ball perfectly into the lower left corner of the goal, giving the Rave Green the lead to close out the first half.
STLvSEA 10-21-23 (MLS Decision Day)
Rusnák's fifth goal of the season was on the road against the Western Conference regular season winners, St. Louis CITY SC. A pull back from Cristian Roldan toward the top of the box put Rusnák in a position to shoot the ball first-time, guiding the ball into the bottom corner of the goal.
COLvSEA 9-20-23 (MLS Regular Season)
Rusnák doubled the advantage for the Rave Green in the 56th minute against the Colorado Rapids after his late run and powerful header off a Cristian Roldan cross resulted in a goal for the Seattle squad. Cole Bassett pulled one back for the Rapids in the 80th minute, but the Sounders held onto the victory, with Rusnák's decisive header securing three valuable points on the road.
ATXvSEA 8-30-23 (MLS Regular Season)
Rusnák retook the lead in the Sounders match against Austin FC after a mis-clearance from the Texas team gave him the opportunity to smash a one-time side volley into the back of the net, sealing a 2-1 win on the road.
SEAvHOU 7-1-23 (MLS Regular Season)
Rusnák handed the Rave Green a 1-0 lead over the Houston Dynamo after a give-and-go combination play from Nicolás Lodeiro and Léo Chú down the left flank led to a pass to the midfielder in the center of the six for him to finish one-time.
SEAvMIN 4-22-23 (MLS Regular Season)
Rusnák tallied his first goal of the season 78 minutes into the Sounders' match against Minnesota United. A scramble in the penalty area resulted in the ball popping loose to the midfielder at the top of the box for him to finish one-time into the left corner of the goal.
