Sigi Schmid passes away at 65

One of American soccer’s great forefathers is no longer with us.

Sigfried “Sigi” Schmid passed away Wednesday at the age of 65 after the former LA Galaxy manager was hospitalized at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center with heart issues.

The LA Times was the first to report the tragic news and have posted a statement from the family, who also had this request from fans.

Schmid’s family issued a statement Wednesday through the Seattle Sounders, one of three MLS team’s the coach worked for, confirming his death.

“Our family is deeply saddened by his passing and is taking this time to grieve the loss of a tremendous husband, father, leader and mentor. We also recognize how much Sigi meant to so many people across the U.S. Soccer landscape and around the world at different levels of the game. That community meant a great deal to him as well. While we mourn his loss, we appreciate privacy during this challenging time.”

MLS senior writer Matt Doyle wrote a few words on the legendary figure, and I’d encourage you to check out his writings as well.

Armchair Analyst: My memories of legendary MLS head coach Sigi Schmid

R.I.P. Sigi.