June 3, 2025 • 8 mins
Seattle Sounders FC Head Coach Brian Schmetzer joins Dave Softy Mahler and Dick Fain to talk about the players’ problem with their pay for the Club World Cup this month, the team’s mentality through the situation, team injuries, and Vancouver this weekend.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
On casting live from the R and R Foundation specialist
broad Jazz Studio. Now back to Softie and Dick powered
by Emerald Queen Casino, the Betty and Capital of the
Northwest on Sports Radio and EDTI three point three kJ
R FM.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
Right, we're back here on a busy Tuesday from the
Emeral Queen Casino. Lots to get to here for Brian
Schmetzer talking about the Matchro Vancouver coming up on Sunday.
Two wins over Dallas and San Diego. But Brian, I
got news for you. That's not what Sounder fans are talking.
Speaker 3 (00:33):
About right now.
Speaker 4 (00:35):
I know, I know what they're talking about.
Speaker 2 (00:36):
Tofting, Yeah, they're talking about why you were late for
your conversation with Jackson Feltz last week.
Speaker 4 (00:45):
I mean, man, I felt so bad. My phone was
blowing up. I had a set over there on the
counter and I just was like in my zone doing
something else, and I apologize to Jackson.
Speaker 2 (00:57):
Yeah, I think we should start talking about a fine
system because we let you skate the one time, but
second time, that's that's pushing the envelope, man. So we'll
have to get our people with your people and have
a conversation off the year.
Speaker 3 (01:09):
No, I'm kidding.
Speaker 2 (01:09):
Obviously, we always love having you on and I look
forward to this every single week.
Speaker 3 (01:13):
But let's talk about this Club World Cup.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
Right eleven days from now, Buttafogo from Brazil is going
to be at lumen Field, big match, obviously international stage,
and all we are hearing about is these t shirts
that the players wore in pregame warmups that said Club
World cash grab. And the guys are concerned about how
much they're getting paid to compete in this event. So
(01:38):
as a coach, as a former player, what do you
make of this current predicament your guys are in.
Speaker 4 (01:45):
Well, look here's the deal, selthy. I see both sides.
I mean, look, I'm sympathetic to the players in many
ways because look, nine point five, it's a big number.
Everybody's getting excited and you know all that sort of stuff.
Oh yeah, and if we go further, there's more prize
money tacked on, and you know they want to pieces
(02:07):
if there's any more, And I get all that sort
of stuff. I get where they're coming from. I guess
the fact that the union had to make the ask,
I mean, the union has to represent the players, they
had to make the ask. But the facts on the
flip side, you know, on the ownership side. I mean,
there is a collective bargaining agreement that the players agreed to,
(02:27):
and you know the language is in there, so I
see both sides. It's it's kind of a bummer, you
know that it had to come to this. You know,
I was kind of bummed about it. But look, the
players expressed how they felt. You know, I know this.
I can tell you this that there are talks ongoing
between the league and the players Association, and I hope
(02:51):
they can come to some agreements. I mean, that's what
I would hope.
Speaker 3 (02:55):
For right I'm just wondering about the motivation.
Speaker 5 (02:59):
I mean, when you have tea it's like this, it
would no reason to believe that, you know, the motivation
might be less than it would be for an MLS game.
Will it be if you would if you had to
coach this or play in this game versus playing in
a Portland rivalry game in the MLS at Providence Park,
which you are more fired.
Speaker 4 (03:16):
Up to play in, Dick, these guys are if Look,
it's a little bit of an issue right now. When
the guys step on the field against Bodafogo, when the
guys step on the field against Athletico Madrid, one of
the biggest teams in Spain, when they step on the
field against the European Champions League winners, they ain't thinking
(03:40):
about the bonuses. They're gonna think about playing and playing
up to their potential.
Speaker 3 (03:44):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (03:45):
Yeah, So the idea of these guys, I guess Jack
or Brian, for lack of a better word, half passing it.
Speaker 3 (03:51):
Not playing with the same motivation they typically play with.
Speaker 2 (03:54):
You're gonna go to bed the night before that match
and not have that concern whatsoever?
Speaker 3 (03:58):
Is that fair?
Speaker 4 (03:59):
No? No, I trust our players. We got good guy
we have a good locker room. They're a good bunch
of guys. When they when they go step out on
the field in front of our fans, they're going to perform.
Speaker 5 (04:13):
Brian, have you had conversations with Adrian about this situation? Obviously,
it doesn't seem like there's much he can do because,
as you mentioned, it's a CBA agreed to in twenty
twenty one.
Speaker 3 (04:22):
I'm wonner out he's handling all of this internally.
Speaker 4 (04:26):
Well, I mean, look, we've had talks. Obviously it was
a surprise to us, and you know what does our
media response. How do we respond internally? What's what's what?
What's the deal? How can we help solve the situation?
And Adrian has made his thoughts known to the league,
so the league can go and negotiate with the players association.
(04:46):
It's not just him, It's obviously not just me. I
mean all have conversations with you know, some of the players,
just to check in and say, hey, let's make sure
we're focused on Vancouver. I get it, you know some
of the things I said after game I get it.
You know, you guys gotta you guys, gotta do what
you need to do. But we've got a job to do,
and it's Vancouver first and then Bodafogo.
Speaker 2 (05:08):
Yeah, well, Brian Spetz was with us, and before that,
obviously you got Vancouver. But before that, let's go back
and talk about last week two wins over Dallas and
San Diego, wrapping up with a loss at Minnesota or
against Minnesota.
Speaker 3 (05:20):
What happened in your mind in that match on Sunday, Brian.
Speaker 4 (05:25):
Well, we didn't put them under enough pressure offensively, because
I hate just pinning it down to the defense, but
we didn't put them under enough offensive pressure in the
first half. Min Rothrock got its foot on the end
of across with some half chances, but we really couldn't
generate too much. And then the three goals in the
(05:47):
second half off thee. Those were not good goals to
give up. I think they were all preventable. I think
our guys didn't, you know, make plays in certain moments.
And it wasn't just one guy. I mean, look, Jonathan
Bell gave up the penalty, but there was a bunch
of stuff that happened prior to that. You know, the
first goal, you know, the transition moment, but we get
(06:09):
back the third goal. You know, Steph I best shot
stopper in the league. I keep telling everybody that. But
he parries that ball right right in front of the net.
So wasn't our best performance defensively? And you can't give
a team like Minnesota three goals at home.
Speaker 5 (06:27):
Well, you got Vancouver up next. They've been fantastic this
year in the Western Conference, but man, they got killed
by Cruise a Zool five to nothing in the Comic
Cap Championship and now they're losing nine players to international duties.
So what type of Vancouver team are you actually getting
this week?
Speaker 4 (06:43):
Well, a dangerous one, because they're gonna have nothing to lose.
I mean they're certainly, they're certainly going to be down.
I mean they put a lot of effort and I congratulate,
yesper in the group, Vancouver, the franchise, I mean they
did it. They had a hell of a run. That
was on hell of a run ended up, you know,
obviously not in their favor. And you know Cruzzoel who
(07:06):
we lost to for nothing, that's a great team. But
you know they're gonna be dangerous. They can play free.
They they're not expected to win, they're missing nine guys.
They'll be dangerous.
Speaker 5 (07:17):
Well.
Speaker 2 (07:17):
Brian Spetzergan is with US Sounders Vancouver on Sunday five
thirty pre game six pm kickoff right here on ninety
three three kJ RFM. Right injuries, Jordan Morris, it's all Jackson.
Last week, I think he might be on the bench
for this game. What is his status for this Sunday
versus Vancouver.
Speaker 4 (07:34):
We've got we've got a four day lead into Vancouver,
normal because we had a couple of back to back
three game weeks. So Jordan's gonna be in full training
if he can get through the four days of full
training I'll get him in the game.
Speaker 3 (07:50):
Love it.
Speaker 5 (07:51):
How about your defenders, Kim Kihee and Jaimargomez Androte, how
are they doing.
Speaker 4 (07:56):
They're probably not ready for Vancouver. But Kim Ki he's
doing a little bit better than we saw it. You know,
that calf injury wasn't quite as bad as we thought,
so there's a slim chance that he might participate in
the Club World Cup. Imar is doing everything he can
and he wants to play. He tells me he's gonna
be ready, but you know he did his injury is
(08:19):
a little more severe.
Speaker 2 (08:20):
All right, listen, great stuff. Thanks for some difficult answers
to some hard questions. But as you know, it's it's
a big story right now. So let's hope you can
put this behind us and see these guys go out
and kick ass in eleven days against botha Fogo man
and then go get Vancouver on Sunday.
Speaker 3 (08:36):
Great stuff, and we're talking a week all right.
Speaker 4 (08:39):
All right, Thanks Dick, Thanks softy.
Speaker 2 (08:41):
All right, Brian Schmetzer with us on the radio program.
We're gonna break Larry Stone courtesy and the ram Mariners
and Orioles tonight, game one of three. How big a
start is This Tonight for George Kirby Next on ninety
three to three KJRFM,
On casting live from the R and R Foundation specialist
broad Jazz Studio. Now back to Softie and Dick powered
by Emerald Queen Casino, the Betty and Capital of the
Northwest on Sports Radio and EDTI three point three kJ
R FM.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
Right, we're back here on a busy Tuesday from the
Emeral Queen Casino. Lots to get to here for Brian
Schmetzer talking about the Matchro Vancouver coming up on Sunday.
Two wins over Dallas and San Diego. But Brian, I
got news for you. That's not what Sounder fans are talking.
Speaker 3 (00:33):
About right now.
Speaker 4 (00:35):
I know, I know what they're talking about.
Speaker 2 (00:36):
Tofting, Yeah, they're talking about why you were late for
your conversation with Jackson Feltz last week.
Speaker 4 (00:45):
I mean, man, I felt so bad. My phone was
blowing up. I had a set over there on the
counter and I just was like in my zone doing
something else, and I apologize to Jackson.
Speaker 2 (00:57):
Yeah, I think we should start talking about a fine
system because we let you skate the one time, but
second time, that's that's pushing the envelope, man. So we'll
have to get our people with your people and have
a conversation off the year.
Speaker 3 (01:09):
No, I'm kidding.
Speaker 2 (01:09):
Obviously, we always love having you on and I look
forward to this every single week.
Speaker 3 (01:13):
But let's talk about this Club World Cup.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
Right eleven days from now, Buttafogo from Brazil is going
to be at lumen Field, big match, obviously international stage,
and all we are hearing about is these t shirts
that the players wore in pregame warmups that said Club
World cash grab. And the guys are concerned about how
much they're getting paid to compete in this event. So
(01:38):
as a coach, as a former player, what do you
make of this current predicament your guys are in.
Speaker 4 (01:45):
Well, look here's the deal, selthy. I see both sides.
I mean, look, I'm sympathetic to the players in many
ways because look, nine point five, it's a big number.
Everybody's getting excited and you know all that sort of stuff.
Oh yeah, and if we go further, there's more prize
money tacked on, and you know they want to pieces
(02:07):
if there's any more, And I get all that sort
of stuff. I get where they're coming from. I guess
the fact that the union had to make the ask,
I mean, the union has to represent the players, they
had to make the ask. But the facts on the
flip side, you know, on the ownership side. I mean,
there is a collective bargaining agreement that the players agreed to,
(02:27):
and you know the language is in there, so I
see both sides. It's it's kind of a bummer, you
know that it had to come to this. You know,
I was kind of bummed about it. But look, the
players expressed how they felt. You know, I know this.
I can tell you this that there are talks ongoing
between the league and the players Association, and I hope
(02:51):
they can come to some agreements. I mean, that's what
I would hope.
Speaker 3 (02:55):
For right I'm just wondering about the motivation.
Speaker 5 (02:59):
I mean, when you have tea it's like this, it
would no reason to believe that, you know, the motivation
might be less than it would be for an MLS game.
Will it be if you would if you had to
coach this or play in this game versus playing in
a Portland rivalry game in the MLS at Providence Park,
which you are more fired.
Speaker 4 (03:16):
Up to play in, Dick, these guys are if Look,
it's a little bit of an issue right now. When
the guys step on the field against Bodafogo, when the
guys step on the field against Athletico Madrid, one of
the biggest teams in Spain, when they step on the
field against the European Champions League winners, they ain't thinking
(03:40):
about the bonuses. They're gonna think about playing and playing
up to their potential.
Speaker 3 (03:44):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (03:45):
Yeah, So the idea of these guys, I guess Jack
or Brian, for lack of a better word, half passing it.
Speaker 3 (03:51):
Not playing with the same motivation they typically play with.
Speaker 2 (03:54):
You're gonna go to bed the night before that match
and not have that concern whatsoever?
Speaker 3 (03:58):
Is that fair?
Speaker 4 (03:59):
No? No, I trust our players. We got good guy
we have a good locker room. They're a good bunch
of guys. When they when they go step out on
the field in front of our fans, they're going to perform.
Speaker 5 (04:13):
Brian, have you had conversations with Adrian about this situation? Obviously,
it doesn't seem like there's much he can do because,
as you mentioned, it's a CBA agreed to in twenty
twenty one.
Speaker 3 (04:22):
I'm wonner out he's handling all of this internally.
Speaker 4 (04:26):
Well, I mean, look, we've had talks. Obviously it was
a surprise to us, and you know what does our
media response. How do we respond internally? What's what's what?
What's the deal? How can we help solve the situation?
And Adrian has made his thoughts known to the league,
so the league can go and negotiate with the players association.
(04:46):
It's not just him, It's obviously not just me. I
mean all have conversations with you know, some of the players,
just to check in and say, hey, let's make sure
we're focused on Vancouver. I get it, you know some
of the things I said after game I get it.
You know, you guys gotta you guys, gotta do what
you need to do. But we've got a job to do,
and it's Vancouver first and then Bodafogo.
Speaker 2 (05:08):
Yeah, well, Brian Spetz was with us, and before that,
obviously you got Vancouver. But before that, let's go back
and talk about last week two wins over Dallas and
San Diego, wrapping up with a loss at Minnesota or
against Minnesota.
Speaker 3 (05:20):
What happened in your mind in that match on Sunday, Brian.
Speaker 4 (05:25):
Well, we didn't put them under enough pressure offensively, because
I hate just pinning it down to the defense, but
we didn't put them under enough offensive pressure in the
first half. Min Rothrock got its foot on the end
of across with some half chances, but we really couldn't
generate too much. And then the three goals in the
(05:47):
second half off thee. Those were not good goals to
give up. I think they were all preventable. I think
our guys didn't, you know, make plays in certain moments.
And it wasn't just one guy. I mean, look, Jonathan
Bell gave up the penalty, but there was a bunch
of stuff that happened prior to that. You know, the
first goal, you know, the transition moment, but we get
(06:09):
back the third goal. You know, Steph I best shot
stopper in the league. I keep telling everybody that. But
he parries that ball right right in front of the net.
So wasn't our best performance defensively? And you can't give
a team like Minnesota three goals at home.
Speaker 5 (06:27):
Well, you got Vancouver up next. They've been fantastic this
year in the Western Conference, but man, they got killed
by Cruise a Zool five to nothing in the Comic
Cap Championship and now they're losing nine players to international duties.
So what type of Vancouver team are you actually getting
this week?
Speaker 4 (06:43):
Well, a dangerous one, because they're gonna have nothing to lose.
I mean they're certainly, they're certainly going to be down.
I mean they put a lot of effort and I congratulate,
yesper in the group, Vancouver, the franchise, I mean they
did it. They had a hell of a run. That
was on hell of a run ended up, you know,
obviously not in their favor. And you know Cruzzoel who
(07:06):
we lost to for nothing, that's a great team. But
you know they're gonna be dangerous. They can play free.
They they're not expected to win, they're missing nine guys.
They'll be dangerous.
Speaker 5 (07:17):
Well.
Speaker 2 (07:17):
Brian Spetzergan is with US Sounders Vancouver on Sunday five
thirty pre game six pm kickoff right here on ninety
three three kJ RFM. Right injuries, Jordan Morris, it's all Jackson.
Last week, I think he might be on the bench
for this game. What is his status for this Sunday
versus Vancouver.
Speaker 4 (07:34):
We've got we've got a four day lead into Vancouver,
normal because we had a couple of back to back
three game weeks. So Jordan's gonna be in full training
if he can get through the four days of full
training I'll get him in the game.
Speaker 3 (07:50):
Love it.
Speaker 5 (07:51):
How about your defenders, Kim Kihee and Jaimargomez Androte, how
are they doing.
Speaker 4 (07:56):
They're probably not ready for Vancouver. But Kim Ki he's
doing a little bit better than we saw it. You know,
that calf injury wasn't quite as bad as we thought,
so there's a slim chance that he might participate in
the Club World Cup. Imar is doing everything he can
and he wants to play. He tells me he's gonna
be ready, but you know he did his injury is
(08:19):
a little more severe.
Speaker 2 (08:20):
All right, listen, great stuff. Thanks for some difficult answers
to some hard questions. But as you know, it's it's
a big story right now. So let's hope you can
put this behind us and see these guys go out
and kick ass in eleven days against botha Fogo man
and then go get Vancouver on Sunday.
Speaker 3 (08:36):
Great stuff, and we're talking a week all right.
Speaker 4 (08:39):
All right, Thanks Dick, Thanks softy.
Speaker 2 (08:41):
All right, Brian Schmetzer with us on the radio program.
We're gonna break Larry Stone courtesy and the ram Mariners
and Orioles tonight, game one of three. How big a
start is This Tonight for George Kirby Next on ninety
three to three KJRFM,
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