Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
In the chaotic moments immediately following Stefan Frei’s injury, Brian Schmetzer called Cristian Roldan over to the sideline for a conversation. The Seattle Sounders head coach would not divulge exactly what was said, but he did confirm that he discussed what to do about replacing his injured goalkeeper.
The Sounders had one remaining substitute but not any remaining windows with which to use it. That meant a field player who was already in the game would need to throw on the brightly colored goalkeeper jersey, strap on the over-sized gloves and man the goal for the remainder of the match. It’s a scenario that has only happened 12 times in MLS history and never before involving the Sounders.