Overview

• In stoppage time of their July 6 match against Columbus Crew, Frei was struck in the head by an opponent’s knee during a free kick and remained stunned on the field.
• Medical staff treated him for about five minutes before he was placed in an on-field ambulance and taken to a clinic, with coach Brian Schmetzer noting he was conscious and moving his fingers.
• Later from home, Frei posted on X that he’s resting, grateful to his medical team and still trying to piece together what happened.
• The 39-year-old veteran’s return timeline is unclear and the Sounders must decide on his replacement for upcoming fixtures, including next Sunday’s away match.
• The incident underscores growing scrutiny of concussion management in MLS and spotlights the league’s rapid-response protocols for head injuries.