Sounders sign coach Brian Schmetzer to multiyear extension

Posted January 25, 2021 6:00 am

The Associated Press

FILE - In this July 17, 2019, file photo, Seattle Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer walks on the pitch before an international friendly soccer match against Borussia Dortmund in Seattle. The MLS soccer team announced Monday, Jan. 25, 2021, that the team and Schmetzer had reached agreement on a multiyear contract extension. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File) The Associated Press

SEATTLE (AP) - The Seattle Sounders and head coach Brian Schmetzer have reached agreement on a multiyear contract extension.

Schmetzer, 58, has led the team to four appearances in the MLS Cup finals and two titles since taking over the team in 2016. He has a 67-37-24 regular-season record with Seattle and is 15-4-2 in the postseason during his tenure.

Terms of the extension were not released.

'œI'm very pleased to be able to continue my coaching career with the club that is so close to my heart,'ť Schmetzer wrote in an open letter to Seattle's supporters Monday. 'œSeattle Sounders FC has excelled in its commitment to winning and the community. I take my stewardship of the club with great honor and privilege, as the connection with our fans is sacred and has been at the cornerstone of our franchise.'ť

Schmetzer has been in the Sounders' organization since 2002, starting as coach of the team's USL team and then serving as assistant coach under Sigi Schmid from 2009-16.

A Seattle native, Schmetzer played professionally for 15 seasons, including a stint with the Sounders when the team was part of the North American Soccer League.

'œBrian Schmetzer and I have an almost 20-year history of working together. Although I never doubted Brian would be back in 2021 and beyond, I am grateful that he will continue to lead Sounders FC for years to come,'ť Sounders owner Adrian Hanauer said in a statement. 'œBrian cares deeply for our club and community, he has a deep understanding of our culture and traditions, and no one is better poised to build upon the organization's recent success.'ť

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FILE - In this Oct. 6, 2019, file photo, Seattle Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer, right, talks to his bench during the second half of an MLS soccer match against Minnesota United in Seattle. The MLS soccer team announced Monday, Jan. 25, 2021, that the team and Schmetzer had reached agreement on a multiyear contract extension. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File) The Associated Press

FILE - In this Nov. 12, 2019, file photo, Seattle Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer talks to supporters during a rally in Seattle to celebrate the Sounders defeat of Toronto FC to win the 2019 MLS Cup championship soccer match. The Sounders announced Monday, Jan. 25, 2021, that the team and Schmetzer had reached agreement on a multiyear contract extension. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File) The Associated Press

FILE - In this April 24, 2019, file photo, Seattle Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer looks out to the pitch before an MLS soccer match against the San Jose Earthquakes in Seattle. The Sounders announced Monday, Jan. 25, 2021, that the team and Schmetzer had reached agreement on a multiyear contract extension. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File) The Associated Press

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