SANDY, Utah (Monday, March 13, 2017) – Real Salt Lake MF Albert Rusnák has been called up by the Slovakian National Team for its March 26 World Cup Qualifier against Malta. He will remain with RSL through Saturday’s match against the LA Galaxy and will join his countrymen next week for the road match in the tiny Mediterranean island nation.
“We’re pumped for Albert. His professionalism has been phenomenal. We haven’t even seen his full potential after only two matches,” RSL General Manager Craig Waibel said. “Getting called into your full national team, especially at 22, is an awesome opportunity for him and it’s great for his development and evolution as a player.”
Rusnák, 22, has one cap for Slovakia, but continues to work his way into his country’s plans for 2018 World Cup qualifying and beyond. A product of Manchester City’s Academy system, he came to RSL in the offseason after spending the previous two seasons with Groningen in the Netherlands, where he won the KNVB Cup in his first season. He made his RSL debut on March 4 in a 0-0 draw at Rio Tinto Stadium with Toronto FC.
“I’m extremely proud of this opportunity and look forward to having the chance to play in a World Cup Qualifier,” Rusnák said. “It’s such an honor to represent your country and we hope to get an important win against Malta.”
A regular call-up for Slovakia at the U-19 and U-21 levels, Rusnák is among the four youngest players called in to the senior national team for the qualifier against Malta. Slovakia is currently third in its six-team group in European qualifying at 2-2-0 through four matches. The winner of the group, which is currently led by England at 3-0-1, will automatically qualify for the 2018 World Cup while the top eight second-place teams in the nine groups will hold a playoff with the top four finishers advancing.
Rusnák is expected to miss RSL’s road match on March 25 against the New York Red Bulls and return in time to face Minnesota United on the road on April 1.
