Originally published September 16, 2009 at 8:33 PM | Page modified September 16, 2009 at 10:46 PM

MLS soccer legend Mauricio Cienfuegos visiting Sounders FC

Cienfuegos is hoping to observe and learn from Sigi Schmid, his former coach with the L.A. Galaxy, in hopes of returning to the coaching ranks himself

By José Miguel Romero

Seattle Times staff reporter

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TUKWILA — The Sounders FC roster has the look and feel of an old-school Los Angeles Galaxy squad, with Sigi Schmid as head coach, Ezra Hendrickson as an assistant coach, and Peter Vagenas and Tyrone Marshall as key players.

Add Mauricio Cienfuegos, a Galaxy and Major League Soccer legend, to the mix, and it's like a reunion on the practice pitches of Starfire Sports Complex.

Cienfuegos won't be around for too long — just a couple of weeks — but he is with Sounders FC as a guest of Schmid. Cienfuegos is hoping to observe and learn from Schmid, his former coach with the Galaxy, in hopes of returning to the coaching ranks himself.

After a coaching stint in his native El Salvador and trips to Europe to observe coaches there, Cienfuegos, 41 and retired from playing, called Schmid and asked if he could come to Seattle. His home base is Pasadena, Calif., but Cienfuegos likes being in the Northwest with some old friends for a little while.

"I was surprised to see how efficient the team is run. It's fantastic," Cienfuegos said. "I'm happy to be here and trying to learn how the teams in the league are run."

Asked if coaching is in his future after one year of experience in El Salvador, Cienfuegos said it's not something he can choose for himself.

"I think that I'm ready," Cienfuegos said. "In soccer you never stop learning, and I have the capacity to run an MLS team. I've had many years in this league and I know a lot about the players and the managers, and hopefully I am given an opportunity after this season."

Cienfuegos, who played professionally for 19 years and left MLS after the 2003 season, looks at Schmid like a mentor. And for Sounders FC, Cienfuegos' presence is welcomed.

"He's a legend," Sounders FC defender Taylor Graham said. "I remember watching him growing up."

José Miguel Romero: jromero@seattletimes.com

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