EXCLUSIVE: North Macedonia Striker Musovski Talks About Settling in Seattle and World Cup Dreams

The 30 year old nearly matched the clubs single season scoring mark with 18 goals in all competitions, yet Obafemi Martins and Raul Ruidiazs tally of 19 goals remained unbroken.

Following that, the Sounders handed Danny Musovski a contract extension running at least until 2027 28, and the sharp shooter shared his thoughts in this exclusive chat with Flashscore on building a life in Seattle, his standout MLS campaign, and the thrilling prospect of international duty with North Macedonia in the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers.

"Its certainly a big deal. Im truly thrilled it came together. I feel incredibly fortunate to belong to such an outstanding club, and extending my time there for a few more years is something Im deeply thankful for. For coach Brian Schmetzer and general manager Craig Waibel to envision my future with the team over the next couple of years is fantastic, and I couldnt be more pleased," Musovski says about extending his commitment in Seattle.

The forward, born in the US, has built much of his pro career in the USL Championship and MLS with teams like Los Angeles FC and Real Salt Lake in his latest stint, but this new deal means hell have spent longer in Seattle than anywhere else in his career. Asked about the reason for that, he replied: "I simply believe its a spot where Ive fitted in perfectly. The squad embodies a culture of success. The players have all claimed titles, and the coaches have too.

"Joining this group, it has been straightforward to adapt and bond with such a talented bunch who are accustomed to victory. It has truly elevated my game. Thats why whenever Ive taken the field, Ive performed strongly, as I feel all those elements have shaped it. 

"Its absolutely a place I now regard as home, and its my longest tenure with any MLS side, so that surely factors in significantly."

Despite Seattles exit to Minnesota United in the MLS Cup playoffs opening round last term, the 2025 campaign marked his most fruitful yet, with the number 19 leading the teams scoring charts at 18 goals in all tournaments, featuring a streak of five consecutive scoring games that equalled Ruidiazs club benchmark.

"The previous year brought wonderful chances and achievements. Much of it stems from maturity, timing, the setting, and strong guidance from the coaches. Its a squad steeped in a winning ethos, so when you hit the pitch, you understand your role. You pick that up in sessions and from the atmosphere," he noted.

"Last season illustrated how readiness aligns with chances. Jordan Morris missed much of it due to injury, so I stepped up as striker and earned a solid streak of matches. I found myself in a strong rhythm and achieved plenty. The key was ample playing time, which translated to results on the field," Musovski breaks down.

Under coach Brian Schmetzer, who guided Seattle Sounders to their inaugural MLS Cup in 2016 and repeated the feat in 2019, the championship strategist plays a key role in Musovskis enjoyment and prolific form last year.

The adaptable forward, capable on the flanks or centrally, praised Schmetzers impact, and it seems the Rave Greens chief aim is to reclaim the MLS crown this term and collect more silverware.

"Collaborating with Schmetzer over these past few seasons has been excellent. Hes an exceptional manager. Hes enjoyed immense achievements in the MLS, and hes likely among the top three or four coaches in league history. That says it all.

"He excels at inspiring the team and ensuring we target the essentials before every match. Being involved daily, you see the basis for his accomplishments. Hes aided me and the whole squad tremendously, and the wins reflect that on the pitch," Musovski elaborates.

Musovski Delighted to Play for His Parents Homeland

Born Daniel Musovski in Henderson, Nevada, to parents from Macedonia in a Macedonian family home, Danny qualifies for the North Macedonia national side after securing his citizenship lately, paving the way for a first call up before the March internationals.

Macedonian boss Goce Sedloski swiftly included the 30 year old in the lineup for the 2026 World Cup playoff semi final against Denmark, and the Sounders marksman appears primed for his bow on March 26th at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, with relatives in attendance.

"Im genuinely thrilled to represent Macedonia. Receiving that invitation during the break was exhilarating. Playing for any national team is a profound privilege, and getting the nod from North Macedonia, particularly with their pivotal fixtures ahead, has me buzzing. You aim to honour the nation, your kin, and yourself," Musovski states with pride.

Though North Macedonia has not yet appeared at a World Cup finals, the team made the Euros in 2021, their debut major outing. Before that event, then manager Igor Angelovski mentioned Musovski lacked full dedication to the Lynxes, but the player sets the record straight and offers his perspective: "I reckon that stemmed from a slight mix up between Igor and me. It wasnt about lacking commitment to Macedonia. That was in 2020, just as I broke into the MLS, and we were in the playoffs with LAFC, where I was a starter.

"They summoned me for a friendly amid our playoff push. They seem to have misinterpreted that as disinterest, but nothing could be further from the truth. Its an opportunity Im profoundly appreciative of.

"Truth be told, I hadnt heard from them again until recently, so after six years, the call came to join the national team. Naturally, Im hugely thankful, and the timing suits perfectly, so Im eager to feature for the country," he discloses.

Currently, an ideal outlook emerges for Musovski, as he could assist the Macedonian side in earning a spot at the 2026 World Cup, hosted by Canada, Mexico, and his native United States.

"For any footballer, competing in the World Cup ranks as the ultimate ambition. Its the peak for competitors. By far the grandest event in sports. Every player aspires to it.

"In my case, the ideal would be to feature for Macedonia, embodying my roots and background in such a massive global spectacle. That would prove unforgettable. Well give everything to reach it and hopefully join the action in the USA, Mexico, and Canada for that tournament," Musovski continues.

To wrap up, even as the underdogs versus the tipped Denmark, optimism prevails, and Musovski feels assured of victory in Copenhagen initially, then selects Ireland as his ideal matchup for the away decider, set just days later on March 31st.

"I firmly believe well triumph. No pro footballer enters a match expecting defeat. Were heading to Denmark aiming for the win. Theyre a formidable outfit, so it will be challenging. Yet Macedonia fields a solid unit too, so with a strong performance, we can shine and advance to the World Cup," Musovski wraps up.