When the Seattle Sounders take on Columbus Crew SC on Saturday in MLS Cup 2020 (5:30 p.m. PT; FOX, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM), there will be one notably absent viewer: Sigi Schmid.
The legendary manager, after whom the annual MLS Coach of the Year award is now named, passed away on Dec. 25, 2018. He was 65.
Schmid coached Crew SC from 2006-08, leading the Black and Gold to their only MLS Cup title in his final year in charge. Shortly after lifting the Philip F. Anschutz trophy, he departed to take over the expansion Seattle franchise, and the rest is history.