Schmid the right man to lead Sounders, owner says

SEATTLE -- The Seattle Sounders will keep head coach Sigi Schmid on as the team's head coach for the 2014 season.

Sounders owner Joe Roth released this statement Thursday morning:

"Adrian Hanauer and I met to review all team aspects of the organization. After a thorough evaluation, there is no question that Sigi Schmid is the right man to lead our club. While we are not happy with the way we finished, Sigi's resume and accomplishments speak for themselves. We have been to the playoffs five-straight years, one of just three teams to have done that.  Once you make the tournament you give yourself a chance to win the MLS Cup. Sigi has won two MLS Cups and it won't be long before he does it here in Seattle.  We continue to strive for excellence and we will do everything we can and give him all the resources possible to make that a reality."   

Seattle ended the regular season 15-12-7, but tension in the locker room was present, some players said.

Schmid has led the team to the playoffs each of the past five seasons.