Stefan Frei could have future with USMNT

For the past three years Stefan Frei has quietly been one of the best and most consistent keepers in MLS. Well, he is no longer quiet. He has forced himself into the national conversation with his supreme MLS Cup performance. It has even earned him some press in his home country, where he is a virtual unknown. Le Temps, a national Swiss newspaper, took notice and wrote a small piece on his performance and his future in international football.

Frei made one appearance for the Swiss U15 national team but a move to the United States at 15 seems to have permanently taken him off the Switzerland radar. There have long been low pitched rumors of Frei joining the USMNT fold, but his attempt at US citizenship was scuttled when he was drafted by Toronto in 2009. His move to Seattle has reignited those efforts and it appears he is once again close to becoming a citizen of the United States.

If Frei gains citizenship, it isn’t ridiculous to think Bruce Arena could bring him in. While the first two goalkeeper spots are firmly in the hands of Brad Guzan and Tim Howard, the third spot has been up in the air for much of the past four years. When Howard retires, the goalkeeping picture will become even more uncertain and bringing in a veteran keeper who is still in his prime could turn out to be the wise choice.