BERKELEY – A cold evening in Toronto proved auspicious for former Golden Bear goalkeeper Stefan Frei whose shutout performance and stability during a penalty kick shootout led his Seattle Sounders FC team to its first MLS Cup championship since 2009 on Saturday.

Frei, a 2008 Cal graduate, was also named MLS Cup MVP after he recorded his third shutout of the post season with seven saves, including one save during a final 15-minute PK bout to upend the Toronto FC 5-4. He is just the third keeper to win the honor in the league's 21-year history.

Frei's most memorable save came in the 108' when he leaped and completed a one-handed deflection of TFC's Jozy Altidore's looping header from six yards out of harm's way.

"Stefan had an unbelievable performance in the MLS Cup final," said 17-year Cal head coach Kevin Grimes. "He did what only the great players can do and that's perform at your best when the stakes are at the highest.  We are so proud of Stefan winning the MLS Cup and MVP award.  This is a special day for all Cal soccer alumni, our fans, current players and coaching staff."

As a Bear, the Altstaetten, Switzerland, native made 82 saves for a GAA of 0.77 in 21 games played as a senior. He was on the MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List and earned recognition as a College Soccer News Third Team All-American selection all during his final season. In addition, Frei was on the Top Drawer Soccer First Team and named First Team All-Pac 10 and NSCAA First Team Far West All-Region.