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

Seattle Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei was resting at home on Monday following a head injury sustained during a stoppage-time clash in a 1-1 MLS draw against Columbus on Sunday.

The 39-year-old Swiss international collided with Crew midfielder Amar Sejdic in the dying moments of the match, hitting his head against Sejdic’s knee. This led to medical personnel swiftly attending to him on the pitch.

Frei was subsequently taken by ambulance to a Seattle hospital for assessment.

“Still processing what unfolded at the end of the match,” Frei commented on X.

“I’m incredibly thankful for all the staff who cared for me, and I’m glad to be home and resting now.

“The support through messages, calls, and love from so many has truly touched me. Thank you – it means more than I can express. I genuinely feel the encouragement, and I’m grateful for each one of you.”

Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer and Columbus coach Wilfried Nancy requested that the game be stopped before the final seconds were played.

“I appreciate what Wilfried did because the referee wasn’t going to halt the match,” Schmetzer remarked. “Everyone was aware that the game needed to be paused. Kudos to him. So, thank you, Wilfried.”

Nancy concurred that the match should have been stopped.

“In situations like this, it puts things in perspective; football isn’t the priority,” he said. “We remain optimistic and hope for positive news regarding his health.”

Both teams are currently in contention for MLS playoff spots, with the Sounders sitting fifth in the Western Conference with 30 points, while the Crew holds fourth place in the Eastern Conference with 38 points.