'Everything's On the Table:' Sounders' Schmetzer May Need Some Outside Help

Brian Schmetzer seemed a tad impatient.

After a 2-0 loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps on Sunday, the longtime Seattle Sounders coach fielded many of the same questions he has been dealt over the franchise-worst seven-game MLS losing streak his team is enduring. Themes varied from a stagnant attack that has posted 20 goals in 18 games to the concession of a late indirect free kick that rubbed salt in the wound. And of course, Schmetzer was asked whether he needs help during this current summer transfer window from GM Craig Waibel and majority owner Adrian Hanauer.

Schmetzer, ever the company man with his ties to the Sounders dating back to the 80s, has typically stood pat on those questions.

On Sunday, he began to crack.

"As far as Craig and Adrian and feeling pressure, yeah, they feel it," Schmetzer said. "I don't need to say anything."

He then went on to challenge the media present at Tuesday's training session ahead of Wednesday’s duel with Austin FC on the topic. When asked whether he was surprised at the lack of summer signings, Schmetzer said, "Maybe stuff hasn't been leaked out yet. Maybe you guys aren't doing your job. So maybe you guys need to dig a little deeper."

The team at Sounder at Heart has reported on talks the Sounders have been in with prospects like Danish striker Casper Tengstedt, but so far there hasn't been a particular move that's come close to fruition. Whether Schmetzer was bluffing or hinting at a future present for his lineup on his Tuesday birthday remains to be seen.

For now, Jeremiah Oshan of Sounder at Heart shared on Bluesky that his sources within the team confirmed "we are close" on some kind of move, so Schmetzer may actually be hinting something soon.