Albert Rusnak Shares Insight Into RSL’s First Independant Voluntary Workout

SANDY, Utah – Real Salt Lake’s marquee man, Albert Rusnak, has shared insight into his first independent voluntary workout with the club. It was the first time Rusnak, and his fellow teammates were able to step onto the RSL training pitch in two months.

Today was a good day #RSL pic.twitter.com/zDOJHEJyIG

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) May 7, 2020

“It felt good to get in a rhythm again,” Rusnak said.

Due to the scare of injury, the RSL players were put through their paces with caution. The first workout was not very challenging, however, Rusnak stated that that will surely change as the days and weeks tick on by.

This week, after showing up in gloves and with a mask on, every player was required to have their temperature taken. When they passed the temperature requirement, they were then rewarded with a quarter of a soccer pitch to themselves.

“We each had two small goals, one ball, and one rebounder to work with.”

All of the running was linear, meaning, the players were not asked to make sharp cuts, everything was in a straight line.

If a ball accidentally left the area of a player, they were not allowed to go and get it. Nor were their teammates allowed to kick it back to them. Instead, a member of the team’s training staff had to go over and pick the ball up while wearing gloves and disinfect the ball before giving it back to the player.

MLS is not taking any chances. They are hopeful that they can eventually resume their season. Rusnak, much like the rest of us, does not know when or if the season will return. Although, he does optimistic that the season will return sooner rather than later.

Rusnak also mentioned that he is expecting that it will take at least “three to four weeks” until he is back to full fitness.

Finally, as much as Rusnak has enjoyed spending the extra time with his family, he did mention that he is ready to get back to work.

“I am ready to get back to the training pitch and get out of the home for a few hours.”

The Lions Den Podcast

On the latest episode of the Lions Den Podcast, Tom Hackett and Spencer Warne discussed the conversation with Rusnak. While also detailing the presumed next steps for MLS to get back to the 2020 season. Many European leagues, led by the Bundesliga has made preliminary plans to re-start their season.

Hackett and Warne question whether MLS can follow suit and learn from the European leagues that seem to be at the forefront of the much-anticipated return.

To listen to The Lion’s Den, click here. It is available on iTunes, Google Play or wherever podcasts are found. Don’t forget to rate and subscribe!

Tom Hackett is a Utah and Real Salt Lake Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the It’s Utah’s World Podcast (Utah Football themed) and The Lion’s Den Podcast (Real Salt Lake themed). Follow him on Twitter: @TomCantHackett.