Albert Rusnák’s 2 assists power Seattle Sounders’ 3-1 win

Seattle Sounders beat Minnesota United FC 3-1 at Lumen Field, with the result creating a six-point gap between the Western Conference teams. Seattle’s win came in Regular Season - 27, while Minnesota remained on 29 points from 27 games.

How it happened

Jordan Morris opened the scoring for Seattle in the 16th minute, assisted by Albert Rusnák. Minnesota’s Anthony Markanich pulled one back in the 57th minute with Bongokuhle Hlongwane’s assist, reducing the deficit to 2-1 before Paul Arriola restored Seattle’s two-goal advantage in the 83rd minute, again supplied by Rusnák.

Seattle led 2-0 at half time, and the final goal settled the recorded scoring sequence at 3-1. The match statistics show Seattle registered eight shots on goal, compared with two for Minnesota, although Minnesota had 14 total shots to Seattle’s 13.

The numbers

Seattle completed 510 accurate passes from 581 total passes, while Minnesota completed 376 from 466. Seattle also held 56% possession and forced five goalkeeper saves; Minnesota’s goalkeeper made five saves, while Seattle recorded none.

The teams each had 10 shots inside the box, but Seattle’s eight shots on goal contrasted with Minnesota’s two. Minnesota won seven corner kicks to Seattle’s five, while both teams received two yellow cards and neither received a red card.

Who decided it

Rusnák shaped Seattle’s attacking output with two assists, one shot on target and five key passes in 84 minutes. His passes created both Morris’s 16th-minute opener and Arriola’s 83rd-minute goal, and his match rating was 8.6.

Why it matters

Seattle are ranked #9 in the Western Conference with 35 points from 26 games, recording 9W 8D 9L and a -1 goal difference. Minnesota are ranked #14 with 29 points from 27 games, recording 7W 8D 12L and a -9 goal difference.

Vancouver Whitecaps lead the Western Conference with 50 points; Seattle trail the leaders by 15 points and Minnesota by 21 points.