Our prediction for this MLS match:
Columbus Crew
Match Time & Date:
08/09/2024
01:30
Prediction: 1-0
Seattle Sounders
High-flying Columbus Crew will look to extend their winning run to seven games in all competitions when they take on Seattle Sounders on Sunday morning. Columbus have been scoring goals for fun of late and they are likely to stick to their attacking style of play against Seattle. Bear in mind, though, that important attacker Cucho Hernandez is on international duty with Colombia. Defender Malte Amundsen serves a one-game ban due to the accumulation of yellow cards.
The Sounders, on the other hand, suffered a 1-0 loss to Portland Timbers at the weekend and given their difficulties in front of goal, home win should be considered this time out. Goalkeeper Stefan Frei limped off with injury in the last MLS game, with fellow shot-stopper Andrew Thomas likely to step up. Midfielder Braudilio Rodrigues continues to miss out with a hamstring problem for the visiting team.
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 (Columbus Crew):
Columbus Crew are an American soccer club based in Columbus, Ohio. The Black & Gold participate in the Eastern Conference and in 2008 they won both the conference and the MLS CUP final. Columbus Crew defeated New York Red Bulls in the MLS Cup final, with the likes of Moreno, Marshall and Hejduk scoring for the Black & Gold in the title game.
The club welcome their rivals at Mapfre Stadium, the venue which was opened on May, 15 1999. The current capacity of the stadium is 19.968 and it has to be noted that Mapfre Stadium is the first soccer-specific venue ever built for a MLS club.
A number of high-profile players were part of Columbus Crew in the past, but Guillermo Barros Schelotto is the most famous footballer that wore the black and yellow shirt. Schelotto played for Columbus Crew from 2007 to 2010 and during his spell with the Mapfre Stadium outfit the Black & Gold won the aforementioned MLS Cup.
