Ezra Hendrickson Named Head Coach of Seattle Sounders FC 2

By Chris Blakely | Nov 13, 2014

Almost a month to the day after the Seattle Sounders announced their USL-Pro affiliate, they finally have named who will take the reins when they take the field next year. Ezra Hendrickson. Honestly it was not who I thought it would be, but I am also not upset with the selection. I was hoping Zach Scott would be the first head coach of S2 but no such luck.

More from MLS

Hendrickson has been an assistant and reserve league coach with the Sounders for the past six seasons and after training on Thursday the announcement was made. He also played 14 years in MLS, where he was part of three championship teams.

Hendrickson had this to say after the announcement:

"“I feel very honored to be appointed head coach of S2. Player development is a very important and integral part of any club. I’m looking forward to developing our younger players as they come through the program, so that we as an organization can have that sustained growth and success.”–courtesy soundersfc.com"

In four seasons as Sounders FC Reserve League Head Coach, he led the Rave Green to a 19-13-7 record from 2011-14. This included an 8-1-1 record and West Division championship in 2011. Seattle Reserves finished 3-1-3 and went unbeaten (1-0-3) against MLS Reserve opponents.

S2 General Manager Andrew Opatkiewicz had this to say about the hire of Hendrickson:

"“After six years of experience with the organization, Ezra has earned the respect of the players and has gotten to know our Academy very well. His years with the first team will prove to be a huge asset as we look to develop a team that gives players valuable minutes in a professional environment.”–courtesy soundersfc.com"

It seemed to me that Head Coach Sigi Schmid was happy as well:

"“This a great opportunity for Ezra and allows for good continuity in preparation for the S2 players, the First Team and Seattle Sounders FC overall. Ezra knows what we’re looking for, knows what it takes to play at this level, and he provides a great bridge from S2 to the Sounders FC First Team.”–courtesy soundersfc.com"

Earlier I stated that I was hoping for Scott to be named the first coach. My main reason behind that is because Scott has been here since 2002, appeared in over 300 matches and it would just be flipping awesome to have him be the first head coach.

Next: Throwback Thursday: My Very First Seattle Sounders Match

However I am not disappointed in the hire at all. I personally don’t know much about Hendrickson but he has been with Schmid since he arrived in Seattle and will know exactly the type of players that Schmid will want. One can assume that the players will be coached somewhat similar to the way Schmid does things at the parent club.

Here’s to you Ezra Hendrickson on a great career as S2 coach and whatever else this opportunity may bring to you in the future.