Schmid to Return as Coach of Galaxy

That heavy sigh of relief that emanated from Carson on Wednesday was not from a turkey given an 11th-hour reprieve on the day before Thanksgiving.

Rather, it was coming from embattled Galaxy Coach Sigi Schmid, whose own goose seemed to be cooked after his defending Major League Soccer champion’s underachieving season ended with a playoff collapse.

Embattled no more -- unless you count the vicious Internet fan attacks on message boards -- Schmid will remain the team’s coach for the 2004 season.

The decision to retain Schmid was made on a recommendation by Galaxy General Manager Doug Hamilton, who said Schmid was “uniquely qualified” because of his past successes and knowledge of MLS’ inner workings.

The Galaxy, which had to play its first eight games on the road while the Home Depot Center was under construction, had major issues in the midfield and played catch-up all season, finishing with a franchise-worst record of 9-12-9. It became the first MLS team to go winless on the road, 0-10-6, and scored a league-low 35 goals.

Qualifying for the playoffs as the Western Conference’s No. 4-seeded team, the Galaxy threw a scare at first-place San Jose before losing the two-game, aggregate goals series.

San Jose defeated Chicago to win the league title Sunday.

“For me to say the last two weeks were the best two weeks of my life would not be accurate,” Schmid said on a conference call with reporters.

“This year we deserved some criticism.... It is rightfully so, and I accept that.”

As Schmid’s future hung in the balance, The Times reported that such personalities as former U.S. national team coach Steve Sampson, Mexican women’s national team coach Leonardo Cuellar, Morelia of Mexico coach Victor Manuel Aguado and former Costa Rica coach Alexandre Guimares were possible candidates.

Hamilton said he had spoken with prospective coaches but would not divulge names.

Hamilton and Schmid said a housecleaning, of sorts, was in the works and that some players may have to restructure their contracts in order for the Galaxy to sign new ones, an assignment Schmid is happy to take on.

“The last time I was able to shop a little bit I was able to come up with Carlos Ruiz so I was pretty happy with that shopping expedition,” he said. “Maybe I just need some retail therapy.”