TUKWILA — Sunday marks Stefan Frei’s third MLS Cup final, but it might be his most cherished.
Not because the Sounders goalkeeper is playing at his club’s home CenturyLink Field. Not even because 70,000 fans are expected to fill the stadium.
This championship matchup against Toronto FC is special because Frei honestly didn’t think it would happen. Seattle lost to Toronto on the road at BMO Field in 2017 for the MLS Cup after winning against the Reds for the 2016 Cup in the same venue.
“After losing in 2017, I was really bummed out because I wasn’t sure whether I was ever going to get a chance to get another star,” Frei said of the emblem placed near or within a club’s badge to signify championships.