All2surreal, good morning. There are a few different things that could be the issue but without the vehicle/more detail its hard to be exact. To better assist your search it will be beneficial to take the front wheel off, open the hood and use a floor jack to raise and lower the front axle to find your play. If your getting any play in that area it should be noticeable. This will allow you to give us more detail and or allow you to see the issue.

possible areas to look if strut related are:

bushing end located at the axle
mounting hardware at the top (under hood)
shock shaft/rod retainer nut (under hood)
spring perch

(PLAY) any movement or none movement of a part in which should be and or should not be moving. As a strut compresses it should travel with the axle BUT should COMPRESS not lift or delay in travel.

Be sure to inspect all moving parts in the area for damage and or noticeable wear as it may not be the strut.