Seattle, Washington — Seattle Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei was rushed to the hospital by ambulance after taking a serious blow to the head during the final moments of Sunday’s match against the Columbus Crew. The impact occurred while attempting to block a free kick, causing his head to collide with an opposing player’s knee. Although Frei remained conscious and later shared on social media that he was resting at home, his medical evaluation is ongoing.
At Brain Injury Help Center, we know that a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can have silent, long-lasting effects, even without a loss of consciousness. Symptoms like trouble focusing, emotional changes, insomnia, or dizziness should never be ignored.
Head Injuries in Sports: The Invisible Threat
Contact sports like soccer pose a high risk of head injuries, from concussions to more serious structural brain damage. Repeated or improperly managed impacts can lead to long-term traumatic brain injury conditions such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Watch for these symptoms after a head injury:
- Memory loss or confusion
- Blurred vision or light sensitivity
- Mood swings or irritability
- Persistent headaches or nausea
Never minimize a blow to the head. Being able to stand up doesn’t mean your brain is unharmed.
The Road to Recovery: Every Brain Heals Differently
Recovering from a brain injury requires a comprehensive medical, emotional, and legal approach. At Brain Injury Help Center, we assist with:
✅ Comprehensive neurological evaluations
✅ Personalized cognitive and physical therapy
✅ Emotional support for patients and families
✅ Legal documentation in cases of negligence or protocol failure
Our experts understand how these injuries disrupt daily life, work, and relationships.
Is a Sports Injury Also a Work Injury?
Yes. When a professional athlete like Stefan Frei is injured on the job, it may qualify as a workplace injury, opening the door to compensation under workers’ compensation laws or negligence claims if protocols were not followed.
This includes:
- Professional and semi-professional athletes
- Coaches or technical staff
- Event crew and staff
If there were unsafe conditions, a lack of medical care, or pressure to keep playing while injured, legal liability may apply.
Who Can File a Claim? Rights in Sports-Related Brain Injuries
In cases involving brain injuries from professional sports or work-related activities, the following parties may have legal standing to file a claim:
- The injured individual
- Spouses or dependent family members (in case of disability or death)
- Legal representatives of the injured party
In many jurisdictions—including where teams like the Seattle Sounders compete—injured workers are protected by law and may pursue claims for:
- Negligence by the league, team, or medical providers
- Unsafe working conditions
- Failure to follow emergency response protocols
You’re Not Alone. Your Brain Health Matters.
At Brain Injury Help Center, we protect athletes, workers, and families impacted by head injuries. If you or someone you love has suffered a concussion or traumatic head injury, don’t wait:
📞 Free and confidential consultation
💼 Legal evaluation + specialist diagnosis
🤝 Compassionate, professional care—no obligation
👉 You have rights. We protect them.
