Three days after claiming former Vancouver Whitecaps goalkeeper Max Anchor off the year-end waiver list, the club re-signed future club legend Stefan Frei on Tuesday afternoon.
SETTING THE GROUNDWORK FOR EXPECTED EXCELLENCE
The Sounders made a trade for the 39-year-old Frei with Toronto FC prior to the 2014 season. It is not an overstatement to say the move was one of the best in club history. Frei and the Sounders have grown together to become one of the big Clubs in MLS. Frei was instrumental in the club capturing six major trophies that began with the 2014 Lamar Hunt U.S Open and the 2014 Supporters’ Shield.
In 2016, Frei reached Sounders immortality when he saved Toronto FC forward Jozy Altidore’s goal-bound shot with his outstretched hand in the 108th minute during the MLS Cup between the two clubs. The Sounders would prevail in penalties, and it is the bedrock for the Sounders ‘ expectations of winning a trophy every season.
“I’m ecstatic to have Stef back with us,” said Sounders FC Head Coach Brian Schmetzer. “He’s had a massive impact on this team for a long time, and he remains a steadying force in our locker room. Stef has already put together a hugely successful career with this club and having him continue that journey here means a lot to all of us. His experience, his presence and the way he carries himself set the tone for our group every day. We’re grateful to have him back.”
Frei was named MLS Cup MVP for the save and his overall performance in the game.
CONTINUED SUCCESS
The club followed the 2016 MLS Cup win with another in 2019. Frei continued to be the Sounders’ rock between the pipes and was a finalist for the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award in 2017 and 2018. Frei not only became one of the team’s best players but also an essential figure in the locker room. In 2022, the Sounders became the first MLS team to win the Concacaf Champions tournament and were awarded the Golden Ball, the Golden Glove, and were named to the tournament’s Best XI.
“I’m grateful to re-sign with the Sounders,” said Frei. “This club, this city and the fans mean so much to me. My family and I are incredibly excited to stay in Seattle and continue this incredible journey together. The work continues. Go Sounders!”
A MODEL CITIZEN OFF THE FIELD
Off the field, Frei has been an exemplary citizen, winning his sixth Sounders FC Humanitarian of the Year award for the 2025 season for his work with Seattle Children’s Hospital and its Kick Childhood Cancer non-profit entity. Frei has used his passion for art to fundraise over half a million dollars for pediatric cancer researchers at Seattle Children’s Hospital.
ANOTHER POTENTIAL NETMINDER
The re-signing of Frei gives the Sounders two goalkeepers. Andrew Thomas is under contract for the upcoming season and is expected to battle Frei for the starting job. The team will now enter into a contract negotiations with the 21 year old Anchor. The former Vancouver Whitecaps academy player. From 2022-2025, Anchor started 38 games for WFC2, making 131 saves with a 64.3 save percentage.
He was loaned to Canadian Premier League side Pacfic FC from March-September of 2025, where he made 10 appearances and 16 saves in all competitions, winning the club’s Young Player of the Award. If the Sounders and Anchor are unable to agree to contract terms the Club would retain the right of first refusal.
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