Stefan Frei emphasizes importance of winning Leagues Cup to make MLS history

As Seattle Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei anxiously awaits the Leagues Cup final on Wednesday against Liga MX side Club Leon, he admitted the game offers a chance to leave a lasting legacy.

Frei has represented the Sounders in the last four of five MLS Cups, winning two after lifting the U.S. Open Cup and Supporters' Shield in 2014. Despite the acclimations, the veteran goalkeeper claims the opportunities to acquire silverware are scarce and cannot be taken for granted. 

"There's very, very few opportunities to win silverware," the 35-year-old said. "So, this is one of them and we didn't just come to the training pitch and make silly and now we have a trophy.

"This is one that everybody knows what the trophy means, good opponents and it's an opportunity. I think as a team, but also as an individual player, the legacy that you leave behind will be judged on the silverware that you brought throughout your time, so this is an opportunity to put another one in the trophy case.

"I don't think we need any extra motivation for this game. If people don't know what's at stake here, whether it be the hardware, whether it be the [prize money], whether it be the bragging rights – whatever guys can find to make themselves tick, I think it's there."

Frei emphasized the importance of capitalizing on each opportunity after defeating Tigres UANL 3-0 in the quarterfinals and Santos Laguna with a dramatic 1-0 triumph fueled by a last-minute winner from Raul Ruidiaz. 

Now, after several intense matches, the tournament culminates with the Sounders confronting Club Leon at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

The Sounders have the chance to make history as the first Major League Soccer side to win the Leagues Cup after Cruz Azul emerged as champions in the inaugural iteration in 2019.