Following the team’s 5-2 win versus LAFC on Saturday afternoon at Lumen Field, Seattle Sounders midfielder Albert Rusnák, wingers Paul Rothrock and Kalani Kossa-Rienzi, and Head Coach Brian Schmetzer were named to the MLS Team of the Matchday for Matchday 3.
Rusnák was one of the four midfielders to make the Starting XI, while Rothrock and Kossa-Rienzi were featured on the bench. Schmetzer was the overall pick for MLS head coaches in Week 3.
Rusnák's presence was apparent as soon as he came on as a substitute late into the first half. Along with his goal in stoppage time, Rusnák provided two assists to Rothrock and Cristian Roldan during his 54 minutes of matchplay.
Rothrock was a part of two of the five goals from the Sounders side. His first goal contribution came in the 57th minute when he rocketed the ball from distance to give Seattle the lead. Then in the 77th minute, a through ball from the Seattle local found the feet of Jordan Morris inside the box who not only secured the team's third goal of the afternoon, but reached a major milestone, becoming the club's all-time leading goal-scorer.
Rienzi was influential on both ends of the pitch. In less than 15 minutes of matchplay, the University of Washington Alum tallied his very first MLS goal that gave Seattle the initial lead. He also collected the most tackles in the match (5) and won seven duels.
Schmetzer was a clear choice as Coach of the Matchday given his tactical decison making throughout the match and Seattle's overall performance against a team that has had their number over the past four years.
The Sounders return to action on Wednesday to face Cruz Azul in Leg 2 of the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 (5:30 p.m. PT; FS1, ViX) in Mexico City.
