The Seattle Sounders almost escaped the MLS All-Star Game this year but coach Veljko Paunovic called on Stefan Frei to be the backup keeper in the “friendly” against Real Madrid. Frei will backup fan vote starter, Tim Howard, and likely will play the second half against the UEFA Champions League winners. Since 2012, the two selected keepers have split the halves evenly.
The All-Star game is in Chicago on August 2 at 6 pm, a Wednesday. Frei will likely be available for the Saturday matches on each side of it. Seattle plays in Los Angeles on the July 29 and at Minnesota on August 5.