Our prediction for this MLS match:
Seattle Sounders
Match Time & Date:
03/03/2024
04:30
Prediction: 2-1
Austin FC
Following three consecutive defeats in pre-season, Seattle Sounders kicked off the new MLS campaign with a 2-1 defeat at Los Angeles FC and, no doubt, they are low on confidence ahead of Sunday’s clash against Austin FC. All Albert Rusnak, Braudilio Rodrigues, Joao Paulo, Stefan Frei, and Reed Baker-Whiting are sidelined with injuries, but there are no suspended players in the home team.
Austin FC, on the other hand, produced an under-par performance in a 2-1 loss to Minnesota United, meaning that Seattle have a nice opportunity to record their first win of the season. The fact that Austin defender Leo Vaisanen suffered an injury in the season opener is yet another reason why home win should be considered. Julio Cascante is widely expected to replace the Finland international in the starting XI, while forward Sebastian Driussi remains on the sidelines with a hamstring problem.
Highlighted Player (Albert Rusnak):
Born in Vyskov, Czech Republic on July 7, 1994, Slovakia international Albert Rusnak began his youth career in KAC Kosice. In 1997 he moved to MFK Kosice where he was talent-spotted by Manchester City scouts. However, he did not see any game action for the Citizens in the Premier League as he was immediately loaned to Oldham City.
After making only two appearances for the Latics, the Slovak moved to Birmingham City in 2014. After ending his loan spell with Cambuur, Albert Rusnak moved to FC Groningen in 2015 and it has to be noted that he scored nine goals in 61 appearances for the Dutch club in the Eredivisie.
In the winter of 2017 Rusnak joined MLS club Real Salt Lake for an undisclosed fee. Speaking of his international career, Albert Rusnak made his debut with the Slovakia national team on November 15, 2016 in a goalless draw with Austria. His father, also called Albert Rusnak, used to play football as well.
Highlighted Team (Seattle Sounders):
Seattle Sounders are an American soccer club that compete in the Western Conference of Major League Soccer. The Sounders are owned by the likes of Joe Roth, Paul Allen, Drew Carey and Adrian Hanauer and they play their home games at CenturyLink Field.
The club won the 2016 MLS Cup, with the team beating Toronto FC on penalties in the trophy game at BMO Field. Swiss goalkeeper Stefan Frei won the MVP honor after pulling off several brilliant saves in the 2016 MLS Cup final.
Winning of the MLS Cup is undisputedly the club’s biggest success, but it has to be noted that the Sounders clinched the Supporters’ Shield trophy in 2014. Seattle hold rivalry with Portland Timbers, but Vancouver Whitecaps are regarded as the club’s bitter rivals as well.
Experienced attacker Clint Dempsey is undisputedly the club’s most significant star and he has been playing for the CenturyLink Field outfit since 2014. He scored eight goals in the league in the 2016 season and, no doubt, he helped the Sounders win their first ever MLS Cup.
Wolves 
Manchester United 
Liverpool
Leicester 
Arsenal 
Ipswich 
Brighton
Brentford 
Lazio 
Atalanta 
Juventus 
Fiorentina 
