In one of the worst kept secrets in Major League Soccer, the Seattle Sounders today announced the hiring of MLS coach of the year Sigi Schmid as the first head coach in club history. Winner of six major soccer championships, including two MLS Cups, Schmid, 55, signed a multi-year contract.
“We believe Sigi is a perfect fit for what Sounders FC sought in hiring its first head coach,” said Sounders FC Majority Owner Joe Roth. “Sigi is a proven champion in this league and beyond, with an extensive and impressive coaching resume, and a track record for getting the most out of his teams. We believe that with Sigi Schmid as our coach, we have the best possible chance to succeed from the outset. He is the only coach to have led two MLS teams to the championship. We plan on being the third.”
Schmid ranks second in MLS career victories (113), behind only Bob Bradley (124), current U.S. National Team coach. In nine seasons, Schmid’s teams have won 113 games, lost 86 and tied 57. His combined postseason wins (19) are the highest in MLS history.
This past season, he guided the Columbus Crew to both their first MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield (best regular season point total), while being voted MLS Coach of the Year for the second time. Schmid inherited a sixth-place Columbus team in 2006. The Crew improved their win totals from eight to 11 in 2007 before peaking to 17 in 2008. His three-year mark in Ohio was 34-33-25, culminating with the title.
With over 18,100 season tickets sold, the Sounders have done a good job off the filed marketing the team. The on the pitch side of the business just got a lot better today.
