Los Angeles

In what can only be described as a performance for the ages, Stefan Frei showcased his remarkable goalkeeping skills during the Seattle Sounders' nail-biting 2-1 victory over LAFC in the Western Conference semifinals on Saturday. At the age of 38, Frei, who has a storied career boasting eight trophies—including an MLS Cup MVP and Concacaf Champions League Best Goalkeeper—stepped up when it mattered the most.

Although he fell short of achieving his 15th career playoff shutout, which would have tied him with MLS legend Kevin Hartman for the most in league history, Frei made a staggering nine saves against a relentless LAFC offensive that fired off 27 shots throughout the match. According to Opta's advanced analytics, Frei's incredible performance prevented an estimated 2.17 goals, a testament to his elite shot-stopping abilities.

Jordan Morris's Praise

Sounders forward Jordan Morris sang Frei’s praises post-match, emphasizing the emotional and team bond they share. "I don’t want to get too emotional with him here, but we’ve been teammates for a long time and Stef has saved us countless times. Today you saw that on full display," Morris stated.

Highlight-Reel Saves

Frei’s superb skill was particularly on display after halftime, where he remained unyielding under mounting pressure from LAFC. Among his highlight-reel saves was an unforgettable stop on a near-impossible bicycle kick attempt by Aaron Long in the 87th minute. He followed this up with a reflex save in the 5th minute of stoppage time, thwarting a close-range shot from Ryan Hollingshead. Perhaps the culmination of his brilliance came in the 100th minute when he executed a stunning kick save against Mateusz Bogusz's strike from the edge of the penalty area.

Team Effort

Despite the accolades and spotlight on him, Frei humbly deflected credit to his teammates, highlighting the collective effort that was so vital to their success. "When the guys are working so hard, and you start to really care for your teammates, you want them to get rewarded. For us to get rewarded today just feels really good. Every player deserves it," he remarked.

Coach’s Endorsement

Seattle Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer was adamant in his belief that Frei deserves recognition beyond this game. “I’m going to stump for Stef Frei. How that guy hasn’t won Goalkeeper of the Year is a travesty. It’s a mistake," Schmetzer declared passionately. “If people don’t want to get on the bandwagon, that’s your choice, but my belief is that guy is the best shot-stopper in the league, bar none.

A Reminder of Goalkeeping Artistry

As the playoffs heat up, Frei’s heroics are not just pivotal for the Sounders but also serve as a reminder of the incredible artistry involved in goalkeeping—where one player's brilliance can alter the course of a match and solidify a legacy. Keep an eye on this maestro as he continues to rise to the occasion and lead the Sounders in their quest for glory!