Although the Seattle Sounders will be fielding one of their strongest starting lineups of the season, they'll be doing it without head coach Sigi Schmid. The Sounders head coach won't be patrolling the sidelines and will be replaced by longtime assistant Brian Schmetzer. Here's the Sounders' statement:
"Due to a health-related issue, Seattle Sounders FC Head Coach Sigi Schmid will not be on the sideline for tonight's match versus Toronto FC. Assistant Coach Brian Schmetzer is managing the team in his absence, with Schmid expected to return to the club next week to resume his regular duties. No other information is available at this time."
This is just the fourth match Schmid has missed in his nearly seven-year run at the helm of the Sounders. Two of those were to attend weddings for his sons, the other was for a suspension. There was no further word or details on Schmid's health issues.