Sounders' Rusnak and Kent Dealt Significant Injuries in Leagues Cup, Thomas Makes Case for ‘Keeper Job
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Sounders attacking midfielder Albert Rusnák looks on during an Aug. 3 Leagues Cup match against Santos Laguna at Lumen Field. (Mike Fiechtner / Sounders FC Communications) [/caption]
Albert Rusnák and Ryan Kent both suffered hamstring injuries during Wednesday night's 2-1 Leagues Cup win over Club Tijuana, prompting questions about their availability as the Seattle Sounders continue a busy schedule. Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer had an update on both players on Friday morning, and it wasn't encouraging.
Kent suffered a "4C" hamstring injury, which indicates a serious tear of a tendon within the hamstring. Rusnák’s test results won't be confirmed until next week, but Schmetzer said the team's leading goal scorer won't be available for the "near future." He speculated anywhere from two to three weeks of recovery time, but couldn't confirm that figure.
While Schmetzer confirmed that Kent would not need to undergo what was sure to be a seriously invasive hamstring surgery, he'll be out of the picture on Seattle's left wing likely for a few months.
Kent has registered five starts in 15 games for Seattle this season and got the starting nod in Wednesday's win, earning an assist to Osaze De Rosario to equalize the game.
Rusnák has been an integral piece of Seattle's recent offensive explosion. The Slovak national player has netted 10 goals and six assists for the Rave Green this season.
Next Man Up
One doesn't simply replace a talent like Rusnák without losing some firepower, but the Sounders have options at the attacking mid spot. Schmetzer brought up how Jesús Ferreira played minutes at that position earlier in the year - and indeed Ferreira registered two assists against Nashville in an April 19 full-time start at the attacking mid.
Schmetzer also mentioned Danny Leyva potentially stepping in, as the 22-year old earned himself a man-of-the-match performance against Santos Laguna last Sunday. Recent Tacoma Defiance signee Snyder Brunell could see some action in relief, but Schmetzer indicated he'll likely lean toward experience.
"Each game's going to be different, so we'll see," Schmetzer said, as his squad prepares for the LA Galaxy in MLS play on Sunday.
With all-time leading goal-scorer Jordan Morris out until at least next month, the Sounders will need to continue their strong scoring streak without Rusnák for a spell.
Luckily for Schmetzer's crew in filling in the left-wing depth with Kent out, his position has been one of the deeper spots on the team.
Pedro de la Vega has been a star as of late in that spot, while Paul Rothrock started a majority of Seattle's games on the left wing before a recent hand injury.
"I think Pedro's found a pretty good home on the left," Schmetzer said.
A Mild Dilemma at Keeper
12-year veteran goalkeeper Stefan Frei is "ready to go" after suffering a scary head injury that put him in the concussion protocol on July 6. In his stead, 26-year old Andrew Thomas has had some signature saves and has contributed significantly to the Sounders' nine-game unbeaten streak in six straight starts.
With Frei still playing well before his injury, registering 46 saves in 18 starts to the tune of a 73.4 percent save rate, many assumed he would return to the pitch when ready. But with 22 saves in six starts and a 69.4 percent save rate, Thomas has earned some credibility at the one.
"Andrew has made it a true competition. I don't know when I'm going to make a final, final decision on those two, but it's certainly a conversation," Schmetzer said.
While it may take some getting used to for longtime supporters, Stefan Frei may not be back in his usual spot soon. Thomas' performance in this hot streak has him positioned to be the legend's successor in the Emerald City as Schmetzer weighs his options.
