Brian Schmetzer, an American soccer coach, carried with him the current soccer history in Puget Sound when he was hired as the head coach of MLS side Seattle Sounders FC. He was also a professional soccer player who is considered a legendary figure for Seattle as he has played and coached for the city.
One of Brian Schmetzer facts is that he used to play as a midfielder. Since his successful run in the MLS, many have been curious to know more about the coach’s personal and professional history. So, here we present you with four interesting facts about the renowned coach.
4. Was Coached by his Father
The soccer coach was born Brian Thomas Schmetzer on August 18, 1962, in Seattle, Washington, U.S. Brian Schmetzer’s dad, Walt Schmetzer, coached him while playing as a youth at the Lake City Hawks. Walter, a German native, competed in the German Third Division before emigrating to the US in 1962 and founding a sporting goods shop known as Schmetzer’s Sporthaus. Besides, Brian grew up alongside his two younger brothers, Andy Schmetzer and Walter Schmetzer, and a sister, Jeanette Schmetzer.
At 10, Brain recalls removing twisted nails from old wood and putting them in a Folgers coffee container so his dad could use them to make their own garage. Furthermore, his mother also had a strong interest in football and spent almost 25 years working in Schmetzer’s Sporthaus. Schmetzer joined the Sounders’ North American Soccer League franchise after he graduated from Nathan Hale High School in 1980.
3. Gave Up College To Focus On Soccer
Brian Schmetzer was so keen on playing for his hometown that he quit college and joined the Seattle Sounders in June 1980. The American player joined the San Diego Sockers in 1984 and played for three different teams throughout seven seasons in the National Indoor Soccer League. He played on San Diego’s MISL-winning squads in 1985, 1986, and 1988.
Schmetzer finished his playing career with the Seattle SeaDogs from 1995 to 1996 after returning to Seattle for the Sounders’ first A-League season in 1994. He scored twice in FC Seattle’s 2-1 friendly victory over Santos while on loan there in 1985. Brian played alongside the younger brothers Andy Schmetzer and Walter Schmetzer while he was at Tacoma and FC Seattle.
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2. An Experienced Coach, Brian Schmetzer Facts
Brian has been a coach for 16 years. He spent seven seasons as the head coach of the Sounders’ First Division side in the United Soccer League from 2002 to 2008 before moving to the Major League Soccer (MLS). Seattle won USL-1 titles under his guidance in 2005 and 2007; in 2007 and 2008, the team advanced to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup semifinals. Schmetzer was chosen as the Sounders’ temporary head coach on July 26, 2016.
Schmetzer led his club to a 5-2 overall victory over UNAM in the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League Final. The Seattle Sounders triumphed in the tournament, making them the first MLS team to do so since 2000 and the first to take home a continental title. The American coach was selected as one of 15 finalists for the best men’s club coach award in 2022 by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS). Another emerging coach in the MLS, Pablo Mastroeni, is considered a legend for Colorado Rapids.
1. Father Of Six Children
Brian Schmetzer is happily married to his wife, Kristine Schmetzer, and the couple has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. Unfortunately, due to their hectic schedules, the couple has yet to have the opportunity to stay in contact with their kids and grandkids as much as they would have liked to. So, Schmetzer advises his team members and employees with young kids to cherish this extra time at home.
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Also, the 60-year-old and his wife often offer team dinners every Sunday so the players can enjoy the benefits of free, home-cooked meals. Overall, he seems pretty content with his life as of now. Considering his massive impact on soccer as a player and coach, Brian Schmetzer facts are highly interesting. We hope the coach and his family enjoy a comfortable life.
