McCarthy's Musings: Great Expectations

By Kyle McCarthy

There is something fitting about the most ambitious expansion team in league history hiring the only coach to win MLS Cup with two different clubs.

No one was surprised when Seattle Sounders FC unveiled former Crew head coach Sigi Schmid as its first head coach on Tuesday. Pundits across the country tabbed his appointment for weeks as a natural progression for an out-of-contract coach known to prefer the West Coast. The dance continued on for weeks with everyone knowing the outcome. Seattle wouldn't be outbid for Schmid's services – as proven by the package of allocation money and cash considerations sent to Columbus to seal the right to negotiate with Schmid – and his appointment represented more of an inevitability than a supposition.

Schmid's decision represents a structural upgrade from what he had to work with in Columbus. Seattle's investor/operators are well-heeled and willing to spend whatever money it takes to succeed, a marked contrast from the frugal Hunt family in Columbus. A seasoned Designated Player is in place with Freddie Ljungberg expected to provide some midfield wizardry. Robust season ticket sales might even make Toronto FC fans blush, turning the detriment of a large football stadium into an advantage packed with fans teeming with enthusiasm.

Seattle's enthusiasm translated to Schmid's unveiling. FSN Northwest showed the press conference live, ran highlights from the press conference twice later that night and debuted a half-hour profile on Schmid. Sounders FC streamed the announcement on its Web site and trumpeted his arrival with a welcome page. The press turned out in droves to see what all the fuss was about. It was quite the change from the relative obscurity Schmid enjoyed in Columbus.

“When I look at this turnout, and I see all these cameras and all these people here, I know without a doubt I’ve made the right decision to come here,” Schmid said.

With all of the interest and all of the off-field success, Schmid's job becomes harder and harder. Success breeds expectations and Schmid has just walked into a situation where he will be expected to produce a winner sooner rather than later.

“We believe Sigi is a perfect fit for what Sounders FC sought in hiring its first head coach,” Sounders FC investor/operator Joe Roth said. “Sigi is a proven champion in this league and beyond, with an extensive and impressive coaching resume, and a track record for getting the most out of his teams. We believe that with Sigi Schmid as our coach, we have the best possible chance to succeed from the outset. He is the only coach to have led two MLS teams to the championship. We plan on being the third.”

Attention and hope will follow Schmid's every move in a city with a wounded sports psyche. The Mariners and Seahawks languish towards the bottom of their respective leagues, while the Sonics inexplicably left town for Oklahoma City, a smaller city that MLS likely wouldn't currently consider on its expansion radar. A Sounders FC championship – or even some immediate success –  wouldn't cure the pain of the Sonics' departure, but it might provide some comfort as the city's other sports teams flounder.

That hope is part of the reason why Seattle has embraced these reincarnated Sounders. But those expectations may not pay off in year one.

Take San Jose's struggles in the first half of the season as a cautionary tale. General manager John Doyle and head coach Frank Yallop struggled to find the right combination – particularly going forward – before acquiring Darren Huckerby and Francisco Lima. The duo vaulted San Jose towards respectability in the second half of the season, but a late playoff push ended in vain as the Earthquakes finished bottom of the league.

Bearing in mind some of the talent acquired already and Schmid's presence, there is cause to believe Sounders FC may surpass San Jose's season of consolidation. There is more to work with in Seattle than in San Jose. Under the guidance of general manager Adrian Hanauer and technical director Chris Henderson, Seattle has assembled a team with proven MLS performers well-suited to Schmid's preferences for wide play, defensive strength and target play. Plus, the path to the playoffs isn't particularly arduous as most of the Western Conference battles with mediocrity.

Even with the resources and the makings of a decent playing staff in place, Schmid faces an uphill battle to make the playoffs in year one. Assessing the parts assembled, dealing quickly with the inevitable squad turnover and finding the consistency required to prove success takes more than pre-season bonding activities and a couple of games. Expecting instant success may be too much and could hamper Seattle's long-term growth. After all, it took Schmid two years to reach the playoffs in Columbus and three to lift MLS Cup.

Patience and understanding now could pay off exponentially later. Given the necessary time to construct a winner without the burden of unreasonable expectations of success, Schmid should be able to eventually deliver the success Seattle sports fans crave.

Kyle McCarthy writes the Monday MLS Breakdown and blogs frequently during the week for Goal.com. Contact him with your questions or comments at kylemccarthy@gmail.com.