Introduction
Welcome to SCPPNews, today is about the professional portfolio of Brian Schmetzer or Brian Thomas Schmetzer, a renowned figure in American soccer. Born on August 18, 1962, in Seattle, Washington, Brian has carved out an impressive career both as a player and a coach. His journey from the playing fields of various leagues to the coaching realm of Major League Soccer (MLS) is a testament to his dedication and love for the sport. This portfolio provides an in-depth look at his career, achievements, and contributions to soccer.
Personal Information
Full Name: Brian Thomas Schmetzer Date of Birth: August 18, 1962 Place of Birth: Seattle, Washington, U.S.
Career Overview of Brian Schmetzer
Our keyphrase, Brian Schmetzer, is an American soccer coach and retired player. He is the head coach of the Seattle Sounders FC, a team in Major League Soccer (MLS). He joined the team in 2016, initially serving as an assistant coach until Sigi Schmid’s departure. Before that, he coached the Seattle Sounders in the USL First Division for seven seasons, winning two championships.
Playing Career Brian Schmetzer
Brian Schmetzer had a successful playing career spanning several years and teams. He played for various Seattle teams in the North American Soccer League, Major Indoor Soccer League and Western Soccer League. Some of the teams he played for include:
- Seattle Sounders (1980–1983)
- Tulsa Roughnecks (1983–1984)
- San Diego Sockers (1984–1988)
- Tacoma Stars (1988–1990)
- St. Louis Storm (1990–1991)
Coaching Career
Brian Schmetzer’s coaching career is marked by significant achievements and contributions to soccer. His coaching journey includes:
- Tacoma Stars (assistant coach, 1988–1989)
- Seattle SeaDogs (assistant coach, 1996–1997)
- Seattle Sounders (2002–2008)
- Seattle Sounders FC (assistant coach, 2009–2016)
- Seattle Sounders FC (head coach, 2016–present)
Under his leadership, the Seattle Sounders FC has seen remarkable success. Since taking over in 2016, Brian Schmetzer has led Sounders FC to the MLS Cup Final in four of his first five seasons (2016, 2017, 2019, 2020). They include a pair of championship wins over Toronto FC in 2016 and 2019. Through the 2020 season, Sounders FC’s 235 regular season points under Schmetzer are more than any other team in MLS.
Coaching Style of Brian Schmetzer
Brian Schmetzer’s coaching style is influenced by his playing days across outdoor and indoor professional soccer. The indoor game has shaped his philosophy as a coach. He is known for his ability to reorganize the locker room, sort out the team’s unique tactical puzzle and guide the Sounders to their first MLS Cup championship in eight MLS seasons.
Achievements
- USL First Division Championships: 2005, 2007
- MLS Cup Championships: 2016, 2019
- Highest winning percentage in postseason history