Stefan Frei is getting himself prepared to fend off goals in order to help his team win the MLS cup on Sunday, December 11. The Seattle Sounders’ goalkeeper and team will be playing against the Toronoto FC.
Stefan Frei is going to take on his former team, the Toronto FC, on Saturday night’s (December 10) Major League Soccer (MLS) Finals. The Seattle Sounders goalie’s career was on the rise since he switched from Toronto to Seattle. He’s one of the rising stars of the American soccer world and we want to know more about him. Here is Stefan Frei’s wiki, including everything you need to know about his family, wife, and net worth.
He’s One of the Highest-Earning Goalkeepers
Stefan Frei is 30 years old and has a base salary of $200,000. That is a big improvement from his $65,000 base salary in 2009. He is one of the highest-paid goalies in the Major League Soccer.
When Frei was named MVP in 2009, he earned the Generation Adidas contract. The contract is a joint venture between MLS and U.S. Soccer and is sponsored by fitness retail giant, Adidas. Its aim was to raise the level of young professional soccer talents. Frei graduated from the program at the end of the 2010 season.
He Played for The Swiss Under-15 Team
Stefan Frei and his older brother, Michael Frei were born and raised in Switzerland. Marlies and Erwin Frei brought their sons to the U.S. in the 1990s. In Switzerland, the young Frei had played for the Under-15 Swiss national team. His childhood hero was German goalkeeper, Oliver Kahn and his dream is to have a match against Edwin van der Sar, the former goalie for Manchester United.
After moving to California, Frei attended De La Salle High School, where he played on the school’s soccer team. He was named the 2005 Athlete of the Year. In 2008, he was named the All-Pac-10 first team, the NSCAA Far West All-Region team, and the Top Drawer Soccer’s Team of the Season.
Not much known is known about his personal life. His wife’s name is Jennifer Frei, but not much is known about her.
Thanks @WeAreECS for an awesome party last night. My wife and I had a blast! #SeattleLove pic.twitter.com/jnuZ2khP4S
— Stefan Frei (@Stefan24Frei) December 14, 2014
He had a Successful College Career
Stefan Frei was a soccer star when we attended the University of California in Berkeley. While there, he came under the MLS radar for his successful games. Among the MLS players, he’s ranked fourth in all-time for career shoutouts, his goals against average (0.68), and save percentage (0.829), which topped in the Pac-12 during his All-American senior year in 2008. While in college, Frei played for both San Francisco Seals and San Jose Frogs in the USL Premier Development League.
His Cousin Plays on the Swiss National Team
Stefan’s cousin is Alexander Frei, the recently-retired captain of the Swiss National Football Team. Alexander Frei is the all-time leading scorer of the Swiss team. When playing for his home team of FC Basel, Alexander Frei won the Swiss Super League titles in all four seasons that he participated in, and is currently playing for FC Luzern.
He was Traded from Toronto FC to Seattle Sounders
Stefan Frei must have some mixed emotions about playing against his old team this Saturday night (December 10). The 6’3″ player’s career picked up when he made his professional debut with Toronto. He was the key player in the 2009 Canadian championships, making key saves that ensured Toronto would win the championship.
Around 2011 to 2014, Frei was facing a slump in his career due to injuries. He had broken his fibula, for which he had to undergo surgery. In 2013, a minor injury caused him to be replaced with Joe Bendik as season opener. In 2013, Frei was ultimately traded to Seattle Sounders. Frei was reportedly on his honeymoon when his agent was working on the trade.
Congrats to @torontofc We'll see you on the 10th! #TFCvsMTL #MLSCup
— Stefan Frei (@Stefan24Frei) December 1, 2016
Sources:
https://goo.gl/to4KHG
https://goo.gl/iio2Jx
https://goo.gl/GmtywM
