When Head Coach Brian Schmetzer thinks of long-time Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei, one word comes to mind: trustworthy.
“The players that play in front of him, the defenders, all trust Stef in a sense that they know if they make a mistake, Stef is always behind them to clean up the mess,” he said.
The veteran keeper enters his 19th season at the professional level and his 12th with Seattle in 2025. It has been a long but prosperous journey for the Swiss international, who holds one of the most decorated resumes of any active player in MLS.
He was with the team when it won its first Supporters' Shield, two MLS Cups, and a Concacaf Champions League title. He ranks No. 2 all-time in MLS clean-sheets and No.1 in postseason competition. He’s earned three MVP and two Defender of the Year honors for the club and was recognized as the CCL Player and Goalkeeper of the Tournament in 2022.
“I'm immensely proud of the longevity I've been able to achieve,” said Frei. “It has required a great deal of hard work and sacrifice, not just on my part, but that of my family, coaches and teammates.”
Frei’s consistent efforts in goal combined with the players' belief in the keeper has ultimately carried the Sounders over the edge and into the winning column over the last decade.
“When you trust in someone, that makes you feel a little bit more confident. It makes you a little more sure of yourself, and you're able to play at a higher level,” said Schmetzer.
Frei largely attributes his success in goal to Club Director of Goalkeeping Tom Dutra.
“To think that Tommy has led the GK group all of my 12 years and it's never gotten boring, it's always challenging, fun, and rewarding, I think it takes a special person to be able to do that,” said Frei. “It's the ideal environment to work, grow and achieve something together.”
Frei has fulfilled what every goalkeeper strives for in their professional endeavors. But, there is no limit for his potential as he sets his sights on collecting more trophies in the year ahead.
2025 Concacaf Champions Cup
Sounders FC will face Antigua G.F.C. in Round One of the Concacaf Champions Cup. Match Two of the series will take place on the EQC pitch at Lumen Field on Feb. 26. Tickets are on sale for $20.25 now!
“I've already told my teammates that this is a season full of opportunities,” said Frei. “We do everything just to have a chance to play for a trophy, and oh boy do we have a good amount of competitions we get to participate in. That, coupled with the fact that we have a strong team, we have to take advantage of this year and win some hardware.”
Whether it be Concacaf Champions Cup, Leagues Cup, FIFA Club World Cup or MLS Cup, Frei has the opportunity to push the envelope even further in his career while continuing to represent himself as a leader and support system for his teammates as they embark on the tournament-heavy schedule in the coming months.
“I try to share some of my experiences with the younger players, but I never claim to have the answers to everything,” said Frei. “But I do cherish the moments when I get a sense that someone wants to hear my take on something and how I experienced certain things in my career.
“If I sense that, then I've got all the time in the world for you and I'll help in whatever way I can.”
