SAN JOSE, Calif. — Albert Rusnák was instrumental in salvaging a point for the Seattle Sounders with a late goal that led to a 1-1 draw against the San Jose Earthquakes at PayPal Park on Saturday night.
Seattle Sounders, holding a record of 1-2-3, found their equalizing moment in the 80th minute thanks to Rusnák. Receiving assists from teammates Cristian Roldan and Jesús Ferreira, Rusnák registered his second goal of the season and the 61st goal in his 242 career appearances. Roldan provided his third assist of the season, bringing his career total to 48 in 282 games, all with the Sounders. Meanwhile, Ferreira, in his inaugural season with Seattle, earned his second assist after previously amassing 35 assists during his eight-year spell with FC Dallas.
The Earthquakes, who now stand at 2-4-0, initially took the lead in the match. A local talent, Beau Leroux, found the back of the net in the 32nd minute. The 21-year-old midfielder enjoyed his first goal in only his sixth professional appearance. San Jose’s goalkeeper, Daniel De Sousa Britto, matched his career best with nine saves in what was his 40th start for the team.
In Seattle’s goal, Stefan Frei stood firm, ending the game with two saves. He had recently achieved his first clean sheet of the season against the Houston Dynamo, bringing his career total to 117 shutouts.
Despite Rusnák’s efforts, which add to the 41 goals he scored with Real Salt Lake between 2017 and 2021, San Jose is still searching for a victory, as they are now winless in their last four matches.
Looking forward, the Sounders are set to travel for a match against San Diego FC on Saturday, and the Earthquakes will prepare to host D.C. United on Sunday.