Seattle Sounders promote Craig Waibel as new GM & chief soccer officer | OneFootball

The Seattle Sounders have promoted Craig Waibel as their new general manager and chief soccer officer, replacing the outgoing Garth Lagerwey.

Waibel's promotion comes off the back of Lagerwey departing for fellow MLS giants Atlanta United last week, becoming the Five Stripes' new CEO and president. Waibel previously served under Lagerwey as Seattle's sporting director and senior vice president of soccer operations.

The 47-year-old will now oversee the club's entire soccer operation, from first-team affairs to Tacoma Defiance (MLS NEXT Pro), and the Sounders academy. Waibel has previous experience as a GM with Real Salt Lake between 2015 and 2019.

“Since joining the club, not only has Craig proven himself a fantastic executive, but also someone who understands our league as a whole and understands our soccer community in the Pacific Northwest,” Sounders owner Adrian Hanauer said in a club press release.

“He’s a Sounder through and through, dating back to his playing days with us in the A-League, going on to become one of the most experienced executives in North American soccer. We are fortunate to have him leading us during this crucial phase in our history, I’m excited to continue working with him and look forward to what he can accomplish.”

Waibel takes on his new role with the Sounders at a crucial crossroads.

The Rave Green became the first MLS club to win the Concacaf Champions League in 2022 - also becoming the first MLS team to qualify for the Club World Cup in the process - but failed to make the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time in their 14-year history.

As always, Seattle will be expected to compete on all fronts in 2023.

“I am excited to get to work as the new general manager of Seattle Sounders FC,” Waibel said. “This is a special organization and I embrace the high expectations that this club has of itself.

“The Sounders community means a great deal to me. This was the club that drafted me as a young man, it’s where I made my professional debut, and as a Spokane native I fully understand the history and civic pride that runs so deep in this region. I can’t thank Adrian enough for the opportunity and his confidence in my stewardship.”

The Sounders are certainly equipped to bounce back, with a strong core of players on their roster including Nico Lodeiro, Raul Ruidiaz, Xavier Arreaga, and Jordan Morris, while Brian Schmetzer is one of the most experienced head coaches in MLS.

“Craig is someone who, on top of being a quality executive in this league, has a great understanding of our soccer culture in Seattle,” Schmetzer said of Waibel. “We saw what he accomplished in Salt Lake before joining our club, and his impact since arriving has been tangible.

“He’s shown to be a great fit within our organization and is well-respected amongst the staff. I’d like to wish Craig a heartfelt congratulations on the new role, and I’m eager to continue working with him and building the club.”