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Sigi Schmid will get at least another year to lead the Seattle Sounders to the MLS Cup. Majority owner Joe Roth announced on Thursday that the Sounders would retain their head coach. The full statement:
"Adrian Hanauer and I met to review all team aspects of the organization. After a thorough evaluation, there is no question that Sigi Schmid is the right man to lead our club. While we are not happy with the way we finished, Sigi's resume and accomplishments speak for themselves. We have been to the playoffs five-straight years, one of just three teams to have done that. Once you make the tournament you give yourself a chance to win the MLS Cup. Sigi has won two MLS Cups and it won't be long before he does it here in Seattle. We continue to strive for excellence and we will do everything we can and give him all the resources possible to make that a reality."
Rumors had been rampant that Schmid would lose his job, leading many to speculate that Monday's conference call with Hanauer was to announce just that. But Hanauer instead said the team was still mulling their options. Apparently they didn't need long.
It would appear that Schmid's regular-season successes -- the Sounders have the second best record among MLS teams during his five years at the helm -- outweigh his failures, most notably in the playoffs. In five seasons, the Sounders have won just 1 of 6 two-legged series and have trailed four of those by at least three goals.
With Schmid's status now settled, the Sounders can move their focus to what promises to be an active offseason. Eddie Johnson is already rumored to be on the move and indications are that the Sounders will be active in the transfer and trade markets.