The Seattle Sounders Have “Parted Ways” with Head Coach Sigi Schmid
Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty
After seven years, the Sigi Schmid Era in Seattle is over.
The Sounders announced earlier today that they had agreed to “mutually part ways” with Schmid, who has served as head coach since the team’s inaugural MLS season.
Schmid, whose managerial resume boasts MLS Cup wins with the LA Galaxy and the Columbus Crew, has come under pressure this season after a deeply disappointing league campaign thus far. The Sounders appeared to hit bottom over the past week following a 4-2 loss to the LA Galaxy in the quarterfinals of the US Open Cup and a dismal 3-0 loss to Sporting Kansas City last weekend.
In a statement released by the club, Adrian Hanauer expressed gratitude for Schmid’s years of service while making it clear a change was needed.
”Sigi Schmid has been an invaluable member of Sounders FC since the club’s MLS launch, leading our organization to numerous trophies and a consistent winning culture for seven seasons. Sigi departs the club with our utmost respect and gratitude for his years of service. Ultimately the club and Sigi agreed that a change was needed at this time, but Sigi’s legacy will always be a part of our history. He has my sincere appreciation for all that he committed to our team and community.”