Seattle Sounders FC goalkeeper Stefan Frei provided the fireworks on the Fourth of July with a sensational save to rob Shkelzen Gashi of the Colorado Rapids of a late equalizer that earned him 2018 MLS Save of the Year, announced on ExtraTime Live presented by Continental on Tuesday afternoon.
Frei, the runner-up for 2018 Allstate MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, won the fan vote with his remarkable stop to help seal the Sounders' 2-1 win over the Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
After the Rapids won the ball in midfield, Dom Badji made a run down the left flank and sent a low cross past four other players to an open Gashi at the back post. Gashi struck the shot first-time, but Frei scrambled back across his six-yard box and stretched out and reached back to somehow get his left hand on the attempt from 12 yards out.
Save of the Year Winners
- 2018: Stefan Frei
- 2017: Brad Guzan - ATL vs. RBNY on October 15, 2017
- 2016: Joe Bendik - SEA vs ORL on May 15, 2016
- 2015: Adam Kwarasey - POR vs RSL on August 15, 2015
- 2014: Luis Robles - RBNY vs SEA on September 20, 2014
- 2013: Nick Rimando - RSL vs COL on August 3, 20133
- 2012: Nick Rimando - RSL vs SKC on April 14, 2012
- 2011: Kasey Keller - SEA vs SJ on October 15, 2011
- 2010: Kasey Keller - SEA vs SKC on April 17, 2010
- 2009: Pat Onstad - HOU vs COL on April 19, 2009