Big weekend for Sounders’ Schmid, Barrett

  • By Don Ruiz The News Tribune
  • Tuesday, October 6, 2015 8:31pm
  • SportsSports

TUKWILA — It was an exceptionally enjoyable weekend for a couple of Seattle Sounders.

On Saturday, coach Sigi Schmid was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

On Sunday, forward Chad Barrett became an unlikely hero as the Sounders got a crucial goal and a potentially crucial point in their 1-1 draw with the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Actually, Barrett wasn’t so much an unlikely hero as an unlikely participant. He wasn’t originally on the game-day roster, but was added to it just minutes before the match when Nelson Valdez was scratched with a calf injury.

Barrett was subbed on in the 85th minute, with the Sounders a goal down. In stoppage time, he was the last link in an equalizing chain that had begun with a corner kick from Marco Pappa, continued with a touch from Brad Evans, and was capped with a close-range finish from Barrett.

“I was just trying to run into the ball, because I didn’t want to bring my foot up to it because I didn’t want it to go up; and I didn’t want to bring my head down to it because it was moving pretty fast,” he said. “I just wanted to get some part of my leg on it and make sure I don’t try and change the angle too much.”

The angle proved just fine. And with his fifth goal of the season in the back of the net, Barrett hung a quick left and sprinted to the southeast corner of CenturyLink Field where he leapt onto the railing where he received hugs, back-pats and even butt-pats from the celebrating supporters.

“As soon as I heard the crowd I just went crazy in my head and I started running over,” he said. “I saw two people in the same section kind of (wave me over). Everybody was just so hyped up and hugging each other: It was a pretty good moment.”

Schmid enjoyed it, too. But the fact is, he has coached 221 wins and 110 draws in Major League Soccer, while a Hall of Fame induction is a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Schmid had basked in that the night before at the Museum of History and Industry, where he was enshrined along with goalkeeper Kasey Keller of Olympia, and the late player/coach “Mooch” Myernick. Wearing his new red Hall of Fame jacket, Schmid addressed the invitation-only gathering that included U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati, and previous inductees including Los Angeles Galaxy coach Bruce Arena and retired national team player Brian McBride.

A regular storyteller, Schmid had more stories to tell — from taking over at the UCLA soccer program at age 27, to his days with the Galaxy, Columbus and on to Seattle. He choked up only when he mentioned his late mother.

His main regret, he said Tuesday after Sounders training, was neglecting to thank Sounders sporting director Chris Henderson, who has been influential in Schmid’s career from their days at UCLA to now. But otherwise, Schmid seemed to have enjoyed his evening.

“It was just fantastic,” he said. “One of my players got like 14 guys together from the first team I head-coached at UCLA. … I feel very privileged and very honored that they would take that time to do that — and tell some stories and drink some beer.”

Added time

This is a bye week for the Sounders, ahead of their Oct. 18 match at Houston. The team trained Tuesday at Starfire Sports Complex and will train again Wednesday and Thursday before taking the weekend off. … Schmid said defender Chad Marshall did not suffer a concussion in his training fall last week. Marshall is progressing, and his return will depend on his neck pain subsiding. Valdez also was kept inside Tuesday, but Schmid said nothing serious turned up on the magnetic resonance imaging test. Defender Oniel Fisher (hamstring) has begun running. … With their USL season over, Sounders 2 players will continue training with the MLS team at least through mid-month, and some will stick around longer.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.