SANDY, Utah (Friday, March 15, 2019) – Real Salt Lake MF Albert Rusnák has been called in to theSlovakian National Team for upcoming UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying matches against Hungary on March 21 in Slovakia and Wales on March 24 in Wales. He will depart following RSL’s match on Saturday against D.C. United and return ahead of RSL’s match at Rio Tinto Stadium against FC Dallas on March 30.
“Albert is a mainstay with the Slovakian National Team so I always know he’s going to get called up,” RSL Head Coach Mike Petke said. “It’s fully deserved and I’m happy and proud of Albert.”
Rusnák, 24, has two goals through two matches for Real Salt Lake this season. In 63 matches with RSL since joining the club prior to the 2017 season, Rusnák has 19 goals and 21 assists, leading the club in both categories over that stretch. In 2018, he was second on the team in goals with 10 and fourth with seven assists. In 2017, he earned club Golden Boot and MVP honors after posting seven goals and 14 assists – the second-highest assist total in club history.
“Albert has had a great start to the season and continues to grow in his role for us and with his national team so we are glad that he continues to be rewarded for his hard work over the last two years,” RSL General Manager Craig Waibel said.
Rusnák also has four goals in 17 caps with Slovakia, making 16 appearances since coming to Utah. He scored his first international goal on March 22, 2018, in the King’s Cup in Thailand. He scored his second in a friendly with Denmark on September 18 and added two more on October 16 against Sweden and November 16 against Ukraine.
Slovakia is in Group E for UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying along with Hungary, Wales, Croatia and Azerbaijan. The eight matches will be played in March, June, September, October and November. Slovakia’s only previous appearance in the Euros was in 2016, finishing 14th in the quadrennial tournament.
Real Salt Lake is currently 1-0-1 (4 points) and faces D.C. United on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. MT with broadcast coverage on KMYU, the KSL TV app, KSL.com and ESPN 700. After the club’s first match at Audi Field, RSL will face LAFC at Banc of California Stadium before returning home to face FC Dallas on March 30. Tickets are available now at RSL.com/Tickets or by calling 844-REAL-TIX (844-732-5849).
