We’ve all been anxiously awaiting the arrival of Albert Rusnák to Real Salt Lake’s preseason — and finally, it seems he’s on his way.
That timeline is perfectly in-line with what RSL general manager Craig Waibel had targeted: Rusnák would arrive before the team departed Arizona for the next leg of preseason.
While it’s not clear that he’ll be immediately available for RSL’s friendlies next week, it does finalize that last bit of movement that needed to take place in regard to Rusnák.
Does this mean the team is now set for 2017? Probably not, and it doesn’t exactly mean that the 22-year-old attacking midfielder will be Real Salt Lake’s saving grace. He still needs to adapt to MLS, just like any player needs to adapt to the league they’re in.
But really, this allows the team to train together in what might be its final iteration of preseason. With the Landon Donovan transfer saga presumed dead, it may be the case that the club will look to Jordan Allen to hoist himself into a starting position. Having Rusnák in the side — given the two would be playing in the same band of three attacking midfielders (or wingers, if you’d rather), it’s important that the two get minutes together.
Color us excited. Real Salt Lake’s first preseason match — aside from a scrimmage today — is on Tuesday against New York Red Bulls in Tucson, Arizona.