Seattle Sounders rely on Albert Rusnak’s form to maintain unbeaten streak against FC Dallas

Seattle Sounders midfielder Albert Rusnak has been a fulcrum player in the club's playoff push this year, with head coach Brian Schmetzer praising the Slovakian's "influential" contributions going into their Western Conference matchup against FC Dallas. Rusnak, who scored his sixth goal of the season last week, remains the creative pulse for the Seattle Sounders as they protect a dominant home record against Eric Quill's woeful team. Seattle Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer doubled down Wednesday on his admiration for Albert Rusnak, labeling the midfielder's goal against the Portland Timbers ‘a classic’ demonstration of the player's ability. The 30-year-old Rusnak scored in the 30th minute to earn the 1-1 tie and led the team with three chances created — a demonstration of his goal-scoring as much as his creative play from midfield. “It was a classic Albert Rusnak goal,” Schmetzer said. “As soon as he got the ball on his foot, I knew he was going to score. He's done that countless times in his career.” Right-back Alex Roldan also highlighted how much Rusnak offers in and out of possession. “We rely on him a lot to create these moments, and when he's not in those positions, you can see how it affects our team. He's vital.” Roldan said. Rusnak's return is at a time when it matters most. Seattle Sounders have not lost in 12 home games in all competitions, and also possess an amazing 21-match unbeaten run against FC Dallas at Lumen Field. Dallas last defeated Seattle away in 2011. FC Dallas, on the other hand, comes to Seattle winless in their past three matches and ranked 11th in the Western Conference. Even in defeat to the Houston Dynamo last weekend, 2-0, there was something to smile about in the return of midfielder Paxton Pomykal from a long-term knee injury. Pomykal conceded the moment was emotional: "Four hundred days is a long time. I was back on the field before I even had time to process it. For Seattle, striker Danny Musovski is another threat up front. He has now added six goals in his previous seven MLS games and has three goal involvements in games against FC Dallas before. For FC Dallas, Lucho Acosta is still their focus. Even with strong statistics since arriving from FC Cincinnati — three goals and numerous chances created — he has not scored against the Sounders, one of only seven MLS sides he has not breached.Also read: Lionel Messi hits new low with Inter Miami following 3-0 loss in MLSWith Seattle Sounders looking to continue their home stranglehold and close in on their playoff charge, the focus will once again be on Albert Rusnak. With FC Dallas finding form and scoring troubling away from home, Schmetzer's side is expected to claim another outcome at Lumen Field — a ground that has long been a fortress for home Dallas teams.