Ives Galarcep writes of why Peter Vermes stands out among an elite list of top coaches in Major League Soccer this season.While it certainly can’t be argued that standout coaches Bruce Arena, Sigi Schmid and Jason Kreis didn’t once again show why they are some of the best coaches in MLS, and among the best in league history, but in terms of helping a team reach new heights and helping multiple players enjoy breakout seasons, it’s tough to argue with Vermes as the MLS Coach of the Year.
Vermes had to navigate a young team through the struggles of an 11-match road trip to start the season, and not only did KC recover, but the same team that missed the playoffs in 2010 finished in first place in the Eastern Conference in 2011. The squad did so on the strength of a core of young players who had breakout seasons, including Matt Besler, Chance Myers, Graham Zusi and Rookie of the Year C.J. Sapong.
Honorable Mention- Sigi Schmid deserves special credit for helping the Sounders compete on three fronts and succeed at them, all despite having lost Steve Zakuani early in the season. Seattle won a third straight U.S. Open Cup and qualified for the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals. The Galaxy was the strongest team in MLS coming into the season so Bruce Arena’s coaching efforts in 2011 might not get the credit he deserves, but to win a Supporters Shield and qualify for the CONCACAF Champions League out of the toughest group in the tournament, definitely deserves consideration.
Vermes had to navigate a young team through the struggles of an 11-match road trip to start the season, and not only did KC recover, but the same team that missed the playoffs in 2010 finished in first place in the Eastern Conference in 2011. The squad did so on the strength of a core of young players who had breakout seasons, including Matt Besler, Chance Myers, Graham Zusi and Rookie of the Year C.J. Sapong.
Honorable Mention- Sigi Schmid deserves special credit for helping the Sounders compete on three fronts and succeed at them, all despite having lost Steve Zakuani early in the season. Seattle won a third straight U.S. Open Cup and qualified for the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals. The Galaxy was the strongest team in MLS coming into the season so Bruce Arena’s coaching efforts in 2011 might not get the credit he deserves, but to win a Supporters Shield and qualify for the CONCACAF Champions League out of the toughest group in the tournament, definitely deserves consideration.
Congratulations to Vermes and Sporting Kansas City on an exciting season.
No comments:
Post a Comment