Seattle Sounders’ Stefan Frei Taken Off in Ambulance After Scary Head Collision

Seattle Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei was stretchered off the pitch in an ambulance after suffering a head injury during stoppage time in Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Columbus Crew at Lumen Field. The 39-year-old collided with an opponent’s knee while diving for a free kick and immediately dropped to the turf.

Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer said Frei was “fine” and “alert” as he was transported to the hospital, where he is undergoing evaluation for a head and neck injury. The match was halted shortly after the incident, even though Columbus was about to take a corner kick. Both coaches, Schmetzer and Crew’s Wilfried Nancy, urged officials to call the game.

“Just stop the game,” Schmetzer pleaded, later thanking Nancy for his solidarity: “I appreciate what he did, because the ref wasn’t going to stop it, and everyone knew he should have.”

Frei, a pillar of the Sounders since 2014, has won two MLS Cups, was named MVP of the 2016 final, and holds franchise records for games, wins, and clean sheets. He also earned Golden Ball and Golden Glove honors in the 2022 Concacaf Champions League.