SEATTLE (AP) - Brian Schmetzer hopped off the trolley carrying the MLS champions along their celebration route, and joined fans carrying banners and following the procession.
Schmetzer grew up a fan of the original Seattle Sounders, played for the earlier incarnation of the Sounders and now as coach has led them to their first MLS Cup championship.
It felt only right to be with the fans.
"It's just the way I am," Schmetzer said. "I like being with the fans. I'm a fan, I was a fan for a long time. So it was just natural.