When Albert Rusnák joined the Seattle Sounders ahead of the 2022 season, it was billed as one of the biggest free agent signings in MLS history.
Fast forward to 2026 and Rusnák has lived up to the hype. The veteran midfielder has guided the Sounders to Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup titles, put up some head-turning attacking numbers, and put in match-winning performances while playing multiple positions.
In a club filled with legends of North American soccer, Rusnák has played a pivotal role in some of the most iconic moments club history.
“I feel like, if you're a Sounder, you have to be kind of addicted to win trophies, but you also have to do it,” said Rusnák. “And I think that addiction, of always wanting to win in every competition you play in and you want to go to the finals and win, that's the most beautiful thing about being a Sounder.”
Heritage and History
Heritage Aqua is your front-row seat to the moments and matches that shape a season, loaded with meaning, milestones, and emotion. Be there against Real Salt Lake for the first home match on the new grass pitch installed for the FIFA World Cup, run it back for a 2025 playoff rematch vs. Minnesota, then close with our Fan Appreciation Match vs. LAFC on Decision Day.
The Slovak international is more than ready to add to that collection this season, as shown from his recent performances. Just three MLS matches into the 2026 season, the midfielder made club headlines as the fourth player in Sounders history to reach 39 assists across all-competitions following his perfectly placed corner kick to Cristian Roldan vs. Real Salt Lake on Feb. 28.
“It's an achievement that I'm proud of,” said Rusnák.
This comes as no surprise, however, with the attacking midfielder coming through as a top goal contributor year-after-year in MLS. Rusnák has finished among the top ten MLS No. 10s for total goal contributions in each of the past two seasons, recording 21 goals and 26 assists in league play over that span.
“That's what is expected of a Sounders No. 10. And I think that's been the standard that Nico [Lodeiro] has set for many years when he was here,” said Rusnàk. “I'm just trying to contribute to the team's success. And I think only when the team is doing well, I feel like the individuals can also have a great season with goals and assists.”
2026 Single Match Tickets
Single match ticket onsale for the 2026 MLS regular season is live now!
Be there as the Sounders kick off another unforgettable year at Lumen Field, packed with marquee matchups, big moments, and the unrivaled passion of the Rave Green faithful. Lock in your seats today and experience the action up close.
The 31-year-old had limited opportunities during his first two seasons with the club as he was utilized in a lower block midfield role, only having 10 goal contributions in 2022 and 2023 combined. But he looks back on those seasons as pivotal for what he’s able to produce in his game today.
“I'm more aware of defending and that aspect of the game, just because the responsibility the first couple of years playing deeper was a lot more on that and helping out and kind of trying to intercept passes and so on,” said Rusnák. “So that has helped overall my game, but you know, here we say, everybody defends and everybody attacks, and we believe that's the way to win championships and trophies.”
“But, I would say the first couple years were valuable for me.”
His way of play complements the Sounders framework that's been ingrained in the club since 1974. While he’s only been at the organization for half a decade, his approach to training sessions and matches will go down as the perfect depiction of what is expected of a player at the Seattle Sounders.
His style is often described as workmanlike and very team-oriented — something he takes pride in.
“As a young boy going through Man City's Academy, it was always about the team,” said Rusnák. “There were a lot of talented players, but, from the age of 13, we were always taught this is a team sport. Our success is everyone's individual success as well. So, yeah, I definitely think I am a team player, and I put the team before myself.”
In addition to showing up for his teammates, he does his job and produces consistently on the pitch. He’s been worthy of a Best XI spot in MLS over the past two seasons, but often gets overlooked. He could be described as a “quiet star,” with his impeccable efforts and little recognition outside of his own team.
And he’s perfectly content with that.
“Even when I first came to MLS, I felt like my numbers were good, but it was never spoken about. It's those things that I can't control, that's not really up to me,” said Rusnák. “All I can do is try and deliver every weekend, and win championships. And you know, that's why I came here, and so far there have been two, but we're hungry for more.”
The opportunity to collect another trophy begins on March 12, as the Sounders open their 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup campaign at BC Place against the Vancouver Whitecaps in Leg 1 of the tournament’s Round of 16.
“We want to win something else, and I want to win something else as well,” said Rusnák. “So yeah, whether it's quiet star, loud star, whatever it is. For me, it's fine. I don't really pay much attention.”
