Scary scenes unfolded in an MLS match on Sunday.
Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei left the field in an ambulance after taking an accidental knee to the head from a Columbus Crew player during a free kick in stoppage time of a 1-1 draw.
Frei’s head hit the player’s knee while he was coming down from jumping to try to defend the free kick.
The 39-year-old dropped to the turf as players motioned to the training staff to take a look at Frei.
After some deliberation, Frei was loaded onto a stretcher and taken to the hospital. He was responsive as they left the field.
By the time the night rolled around, Frei was able to return home and update his injury status on social media.
“incredibly grateful to all the staff that looked after me.” Frei stated “What resonates is all the messages, calls, and love I’ve received from so many of you. Thank you — truly…. It means more than I can put into words.”
Even after the scary injury, the refs were ready to resume the game with a corner kick for the Crew. But Crew manager Wilfried Nancy and Sounders manager Brian Schmetzer agreed to end the match.
“When we see that, football is not important,” Nancy said. “I asked what happened because I didn’t see. After that, I told them that I am ready to stop the game because this is not important, that’s it.”
There is no return timetable for Frei.
He has backstopped the Sounders to an 8-6-6 record, which is good for fifth in the Western Conference after Sunday’s draw.