Stefan Frei will be eligible to play against the LA Galaxy after the Seattle Sounders successfully appealed the goalkeeper’s red card against D.C. United. The Independent Review Panel effectively ruled on Tuesday that Frei was making a play on the ball when he took down D.C. United attacker Jared Stroud in the 28th minute of Saturday’s match. At the time, referee Rosendo Mendoza ruled that Frei’s swipe constituted a purposeful attempt to drag down Stroud.
The review panel is made up of one representative from the U.S. Soccer Federation, one representative from the Canadian Soccer Association, and one independent representative nominated by the Professional Referee Organization. They must unanimously agree for an appeal to succeed.
The fine that Frei was levied for failing to leave the field in a timely manner also has been rescinded.
Frei was already potentially eligible to play in tonight’s game against the Philadelphia Union, but is unlikely to feature as he would be the third goalkeeper on the roster.
