Brian Schmetzer, who rarely gushes over opposing MLS players, gave the league’s newest franchise — Atlanta United FC — a complimentary nod this week before the two clubs square off Friday night at CenturyLink Field.
“They have a lot of good players,” the Sounders coach said.
And the first guy he mentioned?
Tyrone Mears, who helped Seattle win the MLS Cup a season ago but was traded to Atlanta in January.
“We love Tyrone,” Schmetzer said.
Last season, Mears made 32 regular-season starts for Seattle, ranking second on the team in minutes played (2,875) behind Jordan Morris.