Ferreira Faces His Past, Rusnák Delivers the Winner as Sounders Eye Bigger Goals

On a cool Saturday afternoon at Lumen Field, the Seattle Sounders battled their way to a 1-0 win over FC Dallas in front of a lively home crowd. It wasn’t flashy, but it was exactly what the Sounders needed, another step forward in a season that’s about more than just MLS standings.

For Jesús Ferreira, this wasn’t just another match. He was facing the club that shaped him, the place where he grew into a star. Now in Sounders colors, he carried a quiet intensity throughout the game. Ferreira didn’t find the back of the net, but he was sharp and focused. His pressing helped disrupt Dallas’ buildup, and his off-ball movement created space for teammates. His presence was felt, doing the little things that don’t always show up on the scoresheet. It was clear this game mattered to him, and he answered the moment with effort.

‍

‍

The match looked destined for a scoreless draw until the 87th minute. That’s when Albert Rusnák stepped over a free kick from the left side of the box. His delivery was dangerous, driven with pace and curling into a crowded penalty area.

Dallas defender Osaze Urhoghide jumped to defend it, but the ball struck his arm. The referee pointed to the spot immediately.

Rusnák, who had just created the chance, stepped up with no hesitation. He sent the keeper the wrong way and calmly slotted the penalty into the corner. It was a deserved reward for a player who was involved in everything good going forward for the Sounders on the day.

‍

‍

The Sounders are chasing points in a tight Western Conference, but they’re also preparing for something much bigger: the FIFA Club World Cup in June. That international stage demands discipline, depth, and the ability to win tough games, just like this one.

Seattle’s defense stayed solid all match, led by Yeimar and Ragen at the back, with João Paulo controlling the middle. Stefan Frei made sure nothing got past him, once again showing his reliability in key moments.

These kinds of performances—patient, organized, and professional—are what will give the Sounders a chance to succeed on both fronts.

‍

‍

This game didn’t need a flurry of goals to say something meaningful. Ferreira’s steady presence against his old team, Rusnák’s leadership in the big moment, and the team’s focus across 90 minutes told the story of a group that’s finding its identity.

The Sounders are starting to look like a team with more than just local ambitions. They’re playing for points now, but they’re also preparing for something global.