Our prediction for this MLS match:
Seattle Sounders will be aiming to build on a 2-1 win over St Louis City when they face Real Salt Lake on Thursday. Seattle are determined to book their spot in the playoffs, but they need to keep on making progress if they are to meet the goal. Cameroon defender Nouhou is back from suspension, but all Pedro De la Vega, Jon Bell, Josh Atencio, Leo Chu, Nathan Cardoso, and Braudilio Rodrigues remain on the sidelines with injuries.
The Royals, on the other hand, are determined to retain top position in the standings. As the Western Conference leaders have been scoring goals for fun of late, we believe that there is a big value in betting on over 2.5 goals. Both Palacio and Julio Santos are pushing for a start as the duo got their names on the scoresheet in a 3-3 draw with Dallas, whilst all Hidalgo, Silva, Ruiz, Holt, and Bonilla remain in the recovery room.
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 (Real Salt Lake):
Real Salt Lake joined Major League Soccer in 2005 as an expansion team of the league and four years later they won their first MLS Cup. The Royals faced star-studded Los Angeles Galaxy in the title game at Qwest Field in Seattle and Jason Kreis’ troops defeated David Beckham and Co. on penalties.
In 2013 Real Salt Lake made it to the MLS Cup final for the second time in the club’s history, but they were beaten by Sporting Kansas City on penalties this time out. The Royals participated in the CONCACAF Champions League final in 2011 as well, but Monterrey of Mexico eventually won the title. Real Salt Lake footballers wear red shirts and blue shorts when playing at home, while the colour of their away kit is white.
The likes of Clint Mathis, Jeff Cunningham and Eddie Pope are some of the notable footballers who played for the club in the past. Jeff Cunningham scored 19 goals in 32 appearances in the league for the Royals.