Seattle Sounders FC goalkeeper Stefan Freiis “back home resting” after suffering a head/neck injury in second-half stoppage time of his team’s 1-1 draw with the Columbus Crew on Sunday. The 39-year-old collided with Crew midfielder Amar Sejdić when looking to collect a floated-in free kick, prompting medical personnel to rush onto the pitch during the Sunday Night Soccer presented by Continental Tire clash. Frei was eventually removed from the Lumen Field turf in an ambulance and taken to a local hospital for further evaluation. “I’m incredibly grateful to all the staff that looked after me and happy to be back home resting now,” Frei wrote on social media. “What resonates is all the messages, calls and love I’ve received from so many of you. Thank you – truly. It means more than I can put into words.”

FC Dallas have transferred forward Leó Chúto Portuguese top-flight side FC Alverca, the club announced Saturday. The 25-year-old Brazil native spent a half-season with Dallas after being acquired in January. He was part of the trade that sent Jesús Ferreira to Seattle Sounders FC. Chú scored once in four appearances for Dallas. He previously joined Seattle in August 2021 from Brazilian club Grêmio, amounting to four total seasons in MLS. FC Alverca recently got promoted to Liga Portugal. Real Madrid and Brazil superstar Vinicius Junior is a co-owner of the club.

Lionel Messi  has been named MLS Player of the Matchday presented by Michelob Ultra after continuing his incredible form for Inter Miami CF . The Argentine superstar scored braces in back-to-back wins against New England Revolution and Nashville SC, both 2-1 victories. That makes it five consecutive league matches with two goals for Messi — a record in MLS history. He has now scored 11 goals in his last six games, tying Josef Martínez  for the most goals over a six-match stretch in league history. Lionel Messi also sits joint-top of the Golden Boot race with 16 goals, level with Sam Surridge of Nashville. With 36 goals and 23 assists in his last 35 MLS appearances, Messi continues to average over 1 goal per game and 1.68 goal contributions per game. He is also on track to become the first player in league history to win back-to-back Landon Donovan MLS MVP awards.

St. Louis CITY SC  delivered a thrilling 2-1 comeback win over the Portland Timbers on Matchday 24, with Marcel Hartel playing the hero at Energizer Park. The German midfielder scored both goals for St. Louis after David Da Costa had put Portland ahead in the first half. Hartel’s performance electrified the home crowd and helped snap a tough stretch for the club. “It’s so important for us as a team, as a club – especially for these amazing fans – that we win again,” Marcel Hartel  told Michele Giannone on MLS Season Pass after the match.“For me, it was our best game so far under the coaching change. I’m very happy for the team and especially for these three points.” The win reflects St. Louis’ ability to bounce back and feed off their home support, with Hartel’s influence growing under the new leadership.