RENTON — The Seattle Sounders got some reasonably good news about Albert Rusnák’s hamstring injury over the weekend after they discovered that he’ll “only” miss 3-4 weeks. While nothing is guaranteed, that would potentially put him in line to return to the field in time to play in the Leagues Cup semifinals, assuming the Sounders beat Club Puebla next Wednesday.
Rusnák suffered the injury in a 2-1 win over Club Tijuana in Leagues Cup. With 12 goals and seven assists, Rusnák had been on pace for a career-best season in terms of goal contributions.
It’s obviously just one game, but the Sounders managed just fine without him in their 4-0 win over the LA Galaxy on Sunday.
Jesús Ferreira got the nod in Rusnák’s No. 10 spot and turned in a solid performance. Ferreira was credited with a season-high eight shot-creating actions and nearly scored, with the rebound from that shot leading to Danny Musovski’s second of the night.
That’s sort of been the narrative of the Sounders’ season, especially over the past couple of months. When one player goes down, someone else steps in without allowing a significant drop-off.
“We have a deep enough roster to cover those losses,” Ferreira told reporters on Wednesday. “We have to keep doing it. The season’s not going to stop. Coaches are giving opportunities to guys and guys are taking advantage of it. That’s the most important thing.
“I’m seeing a little bit more minutes and trying to take advantage of that, and give coach a reason to keep playing me. Everyone has that same mentality.”
Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer praised Ferreira’s ability to help lead the press against the Galaxy, which led directly to three of the four goals. But aside from nuances like that, he insisted the team can continue to use the same game-plan even with Rusnák out.
“We really don’t adjust,” Schmetzer said. “We need a player in that pocket.
“Players bring their own personalities to their positions on the field. Comparing Albert to Jesús is not a worthwhile exercise.”
Looking ahead to Minnesota
The Sounders have a chance to move into a tie for third place in the Western Conference when they visit Minnesota United on Saturday. Minnesota won the season’s first meeting, handing the Sounders their only loss in league play at home this year.
Minnesota has employed a unique game-plan this year. They are on pace to have less possession than any team in MLS history and score an inordinate number of goals off set pieces, specifically on long throw-ins.
“Right now, Minnesota has been executing,” Schmetzer said. “Look at their underlying numbers, they’ve been doing pretty good this year.
“But we’re in a good run of form and we’re going to give them a game.”
