SEATTLE — Danny Musovski may still be in Brian Schmetzer’s “doghouse” after getting himself suspended for the remainder of the Leagues Cup, but scoring a hat trick in the game immediately after will surely help get him out. For his efforts against Sporting KC, Musovski was also named the MLS Player of the Week. It’s the first time this year a Sounder has received that honor.
Musovski said he “definitely” felt he owed his teammates something after he was red-carded for bumping the official in Wednesday’s Leagues Cup match, and that this is just the start.
“I’m definitely disappointed about what happened the last game,” Musovski said. “I wanted to come out with a lot of energy today. I know I didn’t make up for it, but it’s the best I can do this game.”
This was Musovski’s first career MLS hat trick and just the second during his professional career, having previously scored three goals in a game when he was with the USL Championship’s Reno 1868 in 2019. It was the 10th hat trick in Sounders history.
Musovski now has 13 goals in MLS play, which is already the sixth highest total in Sounders history and the same number Jordan Morris had last season. He also has 15 goals across all competitions, putting him within reach of the club record of 19 shared by Obafemi Martins (2014) and Raul Ruidíaz (2021).
While his first two goals were both good finishes off headers, they were also illustrative of his ability to get into dangerous areas. At .88 goals per 90 minutes, Musovski ranks third among players with at least 500 minutes in MLS this season. He leads MLS in both xG (.84) and non-penalty xG per 90 (.79).
The final goal came on a penalty, the first the 29-year-old had ever attempted in MLS play. Teammate Danny Leyva briefly campaigned for an opportunity to take it, but Musovski wasn’t about to pass on the chance.
“I told him if I wasn’t on two goals I would have let hime take it for sure,” Musovski recalled telling Leyva. “I wanted my first MLS hat trick really badly. So I appreciate Danny for letting me take it.”
