Albert Rusnak converts 2 PKs as Sounders clip Fire

Field Level Media|published: Sun 30th June, 01:17 2024

Jun 29, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Sounders FC forward Paul Rothrock (14) attempts to pass as Chicago Fire FC midfielder Gaston Gimenez (30) defends during the second half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports

Albert Rusnak recorded a brace, and his goal off a penalty kick in the third minute of second-half stoppage time sent the host Seattle Sounders to a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Fire on Saturday night.

Chicago defender Mauricio Pineda picked up a foul for tripping Jordan Morris on the left side of the box to set up Rusnak's match-winning kick. Rusnak, who had tied the match with another successful penalty kick earlier in the second half, drilled a right-footed shot into the left corner of the net for his third goal of the season.

Stefan Frei made three saves for Seattle (7-7-7, 28 points), which extended its unbeaten streak to four matches (3-0-1).

Maren Haile-Selassie scored for Chicago (4-10-6, 18 points), which lost its second straight match overall and fell to 0-6-2 all-time when playing against the Sounders on the road. Chris Brady, making his 50th career start for the Fire, finished with four saves.

Chicago, which fell behind 3-0 in the first 29 minutes in its previous match, a 4-2 loss at Orlando City, controlled most of the action while taking a 1-0 lead in the first half. Haile-Selassie scored his fourth goal of the season in the 30th minute on a right-footed shot off a Gaston Gimenez through pass.

Seattle didn't manage its second shot on goal until the first minute of first-half stoppage time, when Morris attempted a sharp-angled, right-footed shot from the right side of the box that Brady cradled by the right post.

The Sounders tied it at 1-1 in the 57th minute after Fire midfielder Jonathan Dean picked up a yellow card for tugging the back of Paul Rothrock's jersey inside the 6-yard box on a Morris cross. Rusnak then converted the ensuing PK with a right-footed attempt that skimmed along the turf and went into the left corner of the net.

Seattle played without top goal scorer Raul Ruidiaz and defender Nouhou, who were banned from team activities earlier in the week for what Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer called an "internal matter."

--Field Level Media

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