Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Brad Evans and head coach Sigi Schmid were part of a group that met with media members in an informal setting on Wednesday afternoon at the team’s gathering center THE NINETY.
In the edited video below, Evans reviewed the 2015 season and the difficulty of having to watch Seattle’s season ending loss to FC Dallas from home.
In his extended interview, Schmid discussed the disappointing end to this year’s MLS campaign, his return in 2015, offseason moves and the status of midfielder Osvaldo Alonso.
(Video courtesy of soundersfc.com)
Brad Evans
“I’d rather sit on the bench and watch this team win an MLS Cup than play in any games.”
The Sounders FC captain had to watch the Sounders’ last match against FC Dallas from home as he recuperated from a hamstring injury. Evans described the season as “a bit of a roller coaster…a couple of highs…a couple of lows.”
On the positive side, the versatile Evans felt he made progress in his transition to center back, making the playoffs for the seventh straight year and increased motivation to win a league championship in 2016.
Sigi Schmid
“This is probably going to be the most eventful offseason in MLS history.”
The veteran MLS head coach touched on the “peaks and valleys” of the 2015 season. He identified Seattle’s numerous injuries and the U.S. Open Cup match as low points. The highlights include a strong start and finish to make the playoffs for the seventh year in a row.
Schmid’s return as the Sounders’ head coach was in doubt after the FC Dallas defeat. According to general manager Garth Lagerwey, the ownership team never doubted Schmid’s return.
When asked about any offseason moves, the Seattle manager thought this would be a tough year for middle income players. He wants next year’s side to be faster and more athletic.
A major disappointment was holding midfielder Osvaldo Alonso, who failed to record a single point in 22 appearances. Schmid was noncommittal about Alonso’s status, and said there were “a lot of balls up in the air.”
