Four years ago, Sounders fans mourned. Their favorite taco-loving Swede was on his way back home to raise a family with his wife, leaving a hole in the Rave Green midfield. He had helped the club to its third Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup title, but it was time to try something new.
Both Friberg and the Sounders would go on to have success, with Seattle taking another Open Cup as well as a Supporters' Shield in the following years and Friberg helping Malmo FF to its 17th Swedish Championship season. Now, the two have reunited, with Friberg returning to the Emerald City at the beginning of the most recent transfer window - the first of four signings the club would make during the busy period. The Swede has already made his presence known as he played an integral part in the Sounders' dominating win over Orlando City SC, helping the midfield shut down the potent Lion attack and acheiving a shutout along the way.
"I thought [Erik] Friberg was excellent tonight," said Sounders FC Head Coach Sigi Schmid. "Even though he only got on assist, he was involved in the first goal, he was constantly [involved]. He put Lamar Neagle through there on what should have been a goal. He is very good at finding those gaps and getting the ball to the people who needed it."
With Friberg back in the ranks of the Rave Green, and Sigi setting his sights on an MLS Cup run, let's get caught up with everyone's favorite Scandinavian with another round of Fast Facts!
