Let the reminiscing begin! After years upon years of fan unrest, multiple #SigiOut campaigns, and a dismal 6W-12L-2D season, the Sounders have decided that enough is enough and sent Sigi out to pasture (Southern California). Sigi has led the Sounders to 4 USOC Championships, a Supporters' Shield, and seven consecutive playoff appearances. However, he has failed to get over that final hump and get the Sounders into the MLS Cup finals and, as a result, failed on bringing the MLS Cup to Seattle. Long-term SSFC assistant coach and USL Sounders head coach and player, Brian Schmetzer has been named as the interim head coach and will lead the team while the team hunts for a replacement. http://www.soundersfc.com/post/2016...mid-mutually-agree-part-ways-after-eight-year Thoughts on the termination and/or the timing of said termination.
Wish Sigi the best, but this was overdue. Seems unlikely Sounders would hire Schmetzer full time unless they go on an epic end of season run, but at least he gets a shot when the team isn't hopelessly out of it.
I think it's reasonable to make a change given how long Sigi's been here and the results over the last year (going back to mid 2015). At the same time, it's not clear to me where the chief responsibility for the last year lies, as I've been a little muddy on who is making the personnel and perhaps even some of the formation decisions. One thing I do know, whoever ultimately takes over on a full time basis will find it very difficult to match Schmid's achievements, let alone surpass them. I think the "Sigi out" crowd may be in for a rude awakening.
Just caught the video of Lagerway answering questions re: the coaching change on the Sounders website. It definitely leaves me with the impression that there was a Sigi vs. Garth dynamic at play in terms of how the team should play and who should be on it.
Laid the foundation in Seattle. A big part of the foundation for the game in this country. Not enough can be said.