Barring any unforeseen lineup changes, the Chicago Fire’s 2017 home debut on Saturday (1 p.m. CT, CSN Chicago | TICKETS) will feature a reunion for three recent alumni of the Dutch Eredivisie. Forward Michael de Leeuw and defender Johan Kappelhof are set to square off against former FC Groningen teammate and first-year Real Salt Lake midfielder Albert Rusnák.
Rusnák was brought over to MLS in January from Groningen as a Young Designated Player signing to head coach Jeff Cassar’s side. Both Kappelhof and de Leeuw mentioned having conversations with him during his transition about what to expect from his new life stateside.
“We shot some messages to each other,” de Leeuw said. “I wished him good luck. I said it’s different here but it’s going to be a big adventure for you. He’s having fun. He’s enjoying it.”
“He’s a good guy,” Kappelhof said. “I played with him for one year. He scored important goals for us during the cup season that we won. He’s a guy who likes to connect. Good on the ball, good shot, good set piece taker. He’s a No. 10 who likes to have the ball and connect. He’s a good player.”
The important goals Kappelhof referenced certainly include Rusnák’s brace in the final of the 2015 KNVB Cup, the annual Dutch domestic tournament. In a match in which Kappelhof, de Leeuw and Rusnák all started, a Rusnák second-half brace made the difference as FC Groningen hoisted its first-ever KNVB Cup in a 2-0 victory over PEC Zwolle.
“We experienced a big final where he scored two goals,” de Leeuw said. “That’s a moment we share with each other. Of course we’re going to catch up. I want to know how he’s doing, how he’s living there, how he’s feeling, so yeah.”
Rusnák, a Slovakian international, got his first run out for his new side last weekend in Salt Lake’s 0-0 season-opening draw against reigning Eastern Conference champions Toronto FC. The 22-year-old started and went a full 90 minutes, picking up a pair of shots and logging four key passes.
“He’s got a good right foot, so we need to be sure that in our half he doesn’t get a chance to shoot,” Kappelhof said. “That’s a really important thing. We can’t let him turn or give him any space that he can create. That’s what we have to prevent.”
The opportunity to take a full three points from their 2017 debut at Toyota Park will be motivation enough for the Dutch pair, but ask if bragging rights are an additional factor and the answer is obvious.
“Yeah of course,” de Leeuw said, grinning. “He’s coming here, so no points for him.”
