SEATTLE, WASH. – Sounders FC today announced that it has hired Andy Rose as an Assistant Coach. Rose joins Head Coach Brian Schmetzer’s staff following a 10-year playing career with over 250 career appearances in the United States and the United Kingdom, most recently with Vancouver Whitecaps FC from 2019-2021. The Australian-born Englishman returns to Seattle, where he began his professional playing career from 2012-2015 after being acquired by the Rave Green via trade in the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft out of UCLA.
“We are excited to officially welcome Andy back to our club as he begins his coaching career,” said Sounders FC Head Coach Brian Schmetzer. “As a player, Andy was highly coachable and a well-rounded team player. As a coach now himself, I look forward to seeing him mentor the next generation of players. He’s joining an experienced coaching staff, and I know he’ll learn a lot from the expertise of Tom Dutra, Preki and Freddy Juarez.”
Rose concludes a playing career that included seven MLS seasons with Seattle and Vancouver, starting 95 of 147 appearances with eight goals and 10 assists (including postseason play). After being selected sixth overall in the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft by Real Salt Lake, Rose was traded to Sounders FC, where he spent the first four years of his pro career from 2012-2015. The midfielder started 58 of his 106 appearances across all competitions in Seattle, scoring 10 goals. He returned to MLS with Vancouver from 2019-2021, making the transition from midfield to central defense, starting 53 of 60 appearances across all competitions with three goals and three assists.
“First off, I’d like to congratulate Andy on a successful playing career and wholeheartedly welcome him back to Seattle as an Assistant Coach,” said Sounders FC General Manager & President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey. “His soccer acumen as a player was evident, and we think he brings a lot of really good qualities to our team. On top of that, he has a great opportunity to learn from Brian and an incredibly experienced coaching staff.”
Between his time in Seattle and Vancouver, Rose spent three years in the United Kingdom with Coventry City FC (2016-2017) and Motherwell FC (2017-2018). He scored five goals in 40 appearances for Coventry City across all competitions, helping the Sky Blues lift the English Football League (EFL) League One trophy in April of 2017. He moved to Scottish Premiership side Motherwell in 2017, recording 57 appearances across all competitions with two goals.
“I couldn’t be more humbled or excited to begin the next phase of my career with the Sounders,” said Rose. “The opportunity to learn from Brian, Preki, Tommy, Freddy, Henry and the rest of the staff will be incredibly rewarding. I’m looking forward to bringing a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the group, as well as dedicating myself to helping each player in any way I can. This club is special. The connection between the team and the city is unique, and I feel very fortunate to be part of it again. I can’t wait for my kids to experience the atmosphere at Lumen Field.”
Rose holds a UEFA A License after taking courses during his time in the UK, as well as a UEFA Elite Youth A License. He also coached Whitecaps FC’s U-17 squad in 2021 during his final year as a player. Rose has a masters degree in sports management from Southern New Hampshire University.
“I’ve always admired Andy as a player and am looking forward to seeing this next chapter of his career,” said Sounders FC Senior Vice President of Soccer Operations & Sporting Director Craig Waibel. “A lot the qualities that made him so successful on the field will serve him well as he begins his career as a coach, and he’s in great position to succeed alongside our existing staff.”
Prior to his professional career, Rose played four seasons at UCLA, earning All-Pac-10 Conference First Team honors in 2010 and 2011. He started all 24 appearances as a senior and 73 of 81 career collegiate games for the Bruins, scoring five goals and adding 11 assists.
Rose was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was 26 and launched Type 1 United at the start of 2020 while playing for Whitecaps FC. The community initiative, in partnership with Diabetes Canada, connects with T1D children and their family.
Sounders FC continues to prepare for the club’s 2022 season, with the Rave Green leaving for its first of two preseason out-of-town training camps this weekend in Tucson, Arizona. The club kicks off the competitive calendar with a home-and-away series against F.C. Motagua in the 2022 Concacaf Champions League. Seattle plays in Honduras on February 17 before hosting Motagua on February 24 at Lumen Field. The Rave Green’s 2022 MLS campaign begins at home on February 27 vs. Nashville SC.
