Background
In a press conference on November 13, 2007, it was announced that the city of Seattle was awarded an MLS expansion team. In 2008, Sounders FC developed the Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila and the USL team played most of the 2008 season at the updated facility. At the time, the USL team's management thought that practicing and playing at Starfire could provide more continuity and a smoother transition for those hoping to play for the new MLS franchise.
In early December 2008, Seattle Sounders FC reportedly offered a coaching contract to Sigi Schmid, who led the Los Angeles Galaxy to a MLS Cup in 2002 and the Columbus Crew to a MLS Cup in 2008. However, before Schmid could respond to the contract offer, the ownership of the Columbus Crew filed a tampering complaint with the MLS that put the offer on hold. The Crew's ownership contested that Schmid had communicated with Sounders FC during the 2008 season despite being denied permission and that he shared confidential information with Sounders FC after leaving the Crew. The MLS ruled that no tampering occurred, but ordered Sounders FC to financially compensate the Crew before signing Schmid. Sounders FC officially introduced Schmid as their first coach on December 16. It was later announced that former USL Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer would be retained as the top assistant coach and Tom Dutra as the goalkeeper coach. Retired Major League Soccer veteran defender Ezra Hendrickson joined the Sounders as an assistant coach in January, 2009. Former MLS player and Everett, Washington, native Chris Henderson was named technical director on January 24, 2008. Joining Henderson in the front office is longtime Seattle Seahawks VP Gary Wright as the senior vice president of business operations. Drew Carey was named the chairman of the Membership Association.
Read more about this topic: 2009 Seattle Sounders FC Season
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