Ted S. Warren/Associated Press
Sigi Schmid, who stands as Major League Soccer’s all-time leader in managerial wins with 228, died on Wednesday at the age of 65.
The family confirmed his death, per Kevin Baxter of the Los Angeles Times, who also noted that the cause has not been disclosed. As the time of his passing, Schmid was awaiting a heart transplant at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.
Schmid enjoyed a fantastic coaching career leading a host of teams, including the UCLA Bruins, the United States Men’s Soccer under-20 team, Seattle Sounders FC, the Los Angeles Galaxy and the Columbus Crew. He won three national titles at UCLA and two MLS Cups with L.A. and Columbus.
Condolences poured in after news of Schmid’s death broke.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber released a statement:
Don Garber @thesoccerdon
Major League Soccer is devastated by the news of the passing of Sigi Schmid. Sigi will go down as one of the leading figures in the history of our league. https://t.co/xki3MDQ5Ka
Ex-Galaxy beat writer Fred J. Robledo noted Schmid’s gregarious and extroverted nature:
Fred J. Robledo @SGVNSports
Hearing that Sigi Schmid has died hurts. When I covered the Galaxy, had so much respect for him. He was an incredible guy who loved to tell stories and always asked how you were doing. RIP Sigi https://t.co/5FR3yoApQu
New England Revolution play-by-play announcer Brad Feldman offered strong praise of Schmid’s character regardless of his team’s outcome:
Brad Feldman @BradFeldman_
RIP Sigi Schmid. Always gracious and dignified – win, lose or draw – he was a credit to the sport in this country and to MLS. A true winner. https://t.co/vwr774JCaS
Per Baxter, former USMNT managers Jurgen Klinsmann also provided his thoughts on a man who seemed universally loved on Wednesday:
“He was an amazing family person and his love for soccer was endless. He was like an encyclopedia. He formed soccer in this country like no one else over the last 30 years, at UCLA, in the college world, or by building the success and foundation of the Galaxy, the Columbus Crew and the Seattle Sounders. His brain was always going 200 mph.
“He was such a giver. Sigi leaves us far too early. People like him are very rare in this world: straight forward, giver, passionate, endlessly dedicated to his mission and to his family.”
Schmid, Bruce Arena and Steve Sampson stand as the only three coaches in history to win an MLS Cup and an NCAA title.
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