Deja vu for Toronto FC as Frei dominates opening half

Toronto FC is involved in a wild west duel with the Seattle Sounders, and Stefan Frei has all the answers for the hosts' six-shooter.

The hero of last year's MLS Cup final was up to his old tricks again Saturday at BMO Field, making six saves to stymie Toronto's constant attacks through 45 minutes.

Frei's lunging stop on a Jozy Altidore was the difference a year ago, and Seattle will again be buoyed by the exploits of their towering shot-stopper. His stop on a point-blank Jonathan Osorio attempt set the table for a stellar half that was capped off by his diving save on a Victor Vazquez effort minutes before the break.

Frei's six first-half stops is joint-second for most in MLS playoff history, with San Jose Earthquakes' Pat Onstad's 2003 performance the current standard.