Brian Schmetzer, former Tacoma Stars player and coach of the MLS Cup champion Seattle Sounders, performs the ceremonial first kick Sunday afternoon at the Stars’ Major Arena Soccer League match against St. Louis.<\/p>\n
Festivities take place shortly before the Stars-Ambush 3:05 p.m. start at the ShoWare Center.<\/p>\n
After assuming the role of interim manager of the Sounders in late July of last season, Schmetzer powered the club all the way from ninth place in the Western Conference to a fourth-place finish and a berth in the MLS playoffs.<\/p>\n
“I’m very much looking forward to coming down to support the Stars and my good friend and colleague Darren Sawatzky,” Schmetzer said. “The Stars are a big part of our soccer community here in the Northwest, and I have always enjoyed the environment at their matches.”<\/p>\n
In addition to his work bringing the state of Washington their first MLS Cup championship, Schmetzer has built an extensive resume of success across the soccer community in the Pacific Northwest. The Seattle native was signed to play for the Sounders directly out of Nathan Hale High School by coach Alan Hinton, and went on to enjoy a 15-year professional playing career. Schmetzer, along with brothers Andy and Walter, played for the Stars during their tenure in the Major Indoor Soccer League from 1988 to 1990.<\/p>\n
“We are incredibly excited to host Brian for our ceremonial first kick this weekend as we continue our end-of-season push into the MASL playoffs,” Stars owner Lane Smith said. “The pairing could not be more perfect, as Brian and the Stars have both worked extensively to build and empower the game of soccer in the Pacific Northwest.”<\/p>\n
Since starting his coaching career with the Seattle SeaDogs in 1996, Schmetzer has found success throughout time with many of the region’s premier professional clubs. Over seven years at the helm of the Sounders United Soccer League First Division team, he accumulated two USL-1 championships, a pair of Commissioner’s Cups and six total playoff appearances.<\/p>\n