MLS Ticker: Sounders sign Frei to new deal, and more

12/05/2023 08:33 PM

The Seattle Sounders No. 1 goalkeeper isn’t going anywhere.

Stefan Frei signed a new two-year contract with the Sounders on Tuesday, keeping him in Seattle through the 2025 MLS season. Frei, who was set to become a free agent at year’s end, has been the Sounders first-choice goalkeeper over the past 10 years.

The Swiss goalkeeper began his MLS career in 2009 with Toronto FC before joining the Sounders in 2014. He has played in over 370 regular season matches to date, winning eight trophies at club level.

Frei has won two MLS Cups with the Sounders, one CONCACAF Nations League title, one Supporters’ Shield, and one U.S. Open Cup. He also won three Canadian Championships with TFC.

“We are pleased to announce that Stefan Frei will continue to play in a Sounders uniform,” Sounders GM and chief soccer officer Craig Waibel said in a release. “Already one of the most accomplished goalkeepers in league history, he continues to perform at a high level year after year. We look forward to celebrating more big moments with him in goal.”

Frei will continue to serve as Seattle’s No. 1, with Andrew Thomas and Jacob Castro fighting for the backup job.

Here is a closer look at all of the recent MLS News:

Galaxy names Will Kuntz as general manager

The LA Galaxy made a major change to its front office on Tuesday ahead of the 2024 MLS season.

Will Kuntz has been named the club’s general manager, taking the role that was previously occupied by head coach Greg Vanney. Vanney will return to his primary role, guiding the technical vision of the club, including coaching methodology.

Kuntz and Vanney will now collaborate on all major soccer operations decisions for the Galaxy after the club failed to reach the MLS Cup Playoffs in 2023.

"There is no opportunity in Major League Soccer more exciting to me than the chance to help lead this club to reclaim its place as the top club in the league," said Kuntz. "I want to thank Greg Vanney for being my strongest advocate in bringing me into the club last spring, and I am thrilled with how our partnership has developed since I came on board.

"I look forward to collaborating with Greg towards achieving our shared vision and building on the foundation that has been created over the past several years. AEG's commitment to providing this organization with everything necessary to be successful has been evident over the years and I've seen it firsthand during my time with the club."

Kuntz originally joined the Galaxy in April from rivals LAFC. He served as senior VP of player personnel during the past seven months.

FC Dallas adds Romanian winger Enes Sali as U-22 signing

FC Dallas’ roster reshuffling continued on Monday with Romanian winger Enes Sali making the move to Texas.

Sali signed a four-year contract through 2027, which includes a one-year club option as part of the MLS U-22 Initiative. The 17-year-old spent the last two seasons with Romanian SuperLiga side FCV Farul Constanța.

Sali made his pro debut with Farul in August 2021 and proceeded to score his first senior goal one month later. He accumulated 56 appearances with Farul, scoring four goals and assisting twice across all competitions.

He becomes the latest piece to the FC Dallas attacking puzzle, which already includes Jesus Ferreira, Paul Arriola, and Bernard Kamungo.

Prior to joining Farul Constanta (then Viitorul Constanta) Sali spent the 2015-16 season with Barça Escola Barcelona after being spotted at a Barça Academy Camp in Toronto, Canada during the winter of 2014 at age eight. Shortly after, Sali joined the Gheorghe Hagi Football Academy, founded by Gheorghe Hagi.

On the international stage, Sali represents Romania and is the youngest player to make his Romania national team debut after appearing for the Tricolorii on November 14, 2021 in a World Cup qualifier against Liechtenstein at age 15 years, 8 months and 22 days. Sali became the second youngest European international debutant of the 21st century. Most recently, Sali represented Romania's U19 side in the UEFA Euro U19 Championship Qualifiers matchups against Finland, San Marino and the Czech Republic.