Stefan Frei Discharged from Hospital, Recuperating at Home After Frightening Collision

Seattle Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei is currently recuperating at home following a head injury sustained during a last-minute clash on Sunday, which ended in a 1-1 draw against Columbus in MLS action.

The 39-year-old Swiss keeper collided with Crew midfielder Amar Sejdic in the closing moments of the match, being struck in the head by Sejdic’s knee, which led to medical staff rushing onto the pitch.

Frei was subsequently transported to a hospital in Seattle via ambulance for assessment.

“Still trying to piece together what happened at the end of the game,” Frei shared on X.

“I’m immensely thankful to all the medical staff who cared for me and relieved to be back at home resting now.

“What truly stands out to me are all the messages, calls, and support I’ve received from so many of you. Thank you – it genuinely means more than I can express. I feel the love, and I’m grateful for each and every one of you.”

Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer and Columbus coach Wilfried Nancy both requested to stop the match rather than play out the remaining seconds.

“I appreciate what Wilfried did because the referee wasn’t going to halt the game,” Schmetzer remarked. “Everyone knew the game should have been stopped. Good on him. So thank you, Wilfried.”

Nancy concurred that stopping the game was the right decision.

“When faced with a situation like that, football isn’t the most important thing,” he stated. “We remain positive and hope everything turns out well for him.”

Both teams are currently vying for spots in the MLS playoffs.

The Sounders sit fifth in the Western Conference with 30 points, while the Crew are fourth in the Eastern Conference, having accumulated 38 points.