Bruce Arena and Sigi Schmid have been involved in many head-to-head coaching battles during their time in Major League Soccer.

Today, when Arena looks down the sideline, Schmid will not be there. Schmid was relieved of his duties as coach of the Seattle Sounders on Tuesday.

“It is unfortunate,” Arena said. “It is a good club, good people, I think they think they’re doing what’s right. I think everyone involved in the game thinks the world of Sigi.

“I personally think after all of the success he’s had there and what he’s brought to that club, I would have loved to obviously seen him stay. I would have thought that he would have earned that.”

Schmid, who coached at UCLA and the Galaxy, is the only coach the Sounders have had since they started in 2009. Schmid, the all-time MLS leader in coaching victories, led Seattle to four U.S. Open Cup titles, the 2014 MLS Supporters’ Shield and seven consecutive playoff appearances.

This year, however, the Sounders have struggled, currently sitting in ninth place in the Western Conference with a 6-12-2 record. They’re 10 points behind the final playoff spot in the conference.

“They needed to do what they think is right for their club,” Arena said. “The ownership group there, the management group, they’re good people, they just felt that it was in their best interests. I don’t have to agree with that, but that’s the way it came down.”

Thursday, Schmid made his first public comments in a video posted by the Seattle Times, Schmid took time to address some Seattle fans.

“I know we didn’t get the MLS Cup, there’s nothing I wanted to do more than to be involved in a parade going around this city,” he said. “It was definitely unique and special and I’ll always remember it. Seattle will always have a soft spot in my heart.”

Assistant Brian Schmetzer replaces Schmid as interim coach.

For Arena and the Galaxy, today marks a chance to continue the club’s good form of road performances as of late. The Galaxy (9-3-8, 35 points) have won four consecutive games and is on a six-game unbeaten streak (4-0-2).

Despite the coaching change, the Galaxy will likely be in front of a large crowd and will need to rely on its defense to withstand the initial charge.

The Galaxy have allowed just 19 goals so far this season.

“We’re in good form right now and the defense is playing stellar right now,” Galaxy goalkeeper Brian Rowe said. “They’re really helping me out. The team is defending well and I think it helps when everyone is on the same rhythm.”

Rowe has allowed just one goal during the Galaxy’s current four-game winning streak.

“The second half (against Portland) they had a lot of pressure on us and they were possessing a lot of the ball in our half, but we did a great job as a team,” Rowe said. “That’s one of those games that when you get toward the end of the season, toward the playoffs, those are the ones that really matter. Are you able to grind out a 2-1 result on the road or maintain a lead and close out the game?”

Recently, the answer has been yes for the Galaxy.

L.A. GALAXY at SEATTLE SOUNDERS

Kickoff: 1 p.m.; CenturyLink Field

TV/Radio: ESPN; KTMZ/1220; KWKW/1330 (delayed, 4 p.m.)

Update: Seattle announced the signing of Nicolas Lodeiro, 27, to a Designated Player contract during the week from Boca Juniors. He trained with the club Thursday is expected to be eligible to play. His signing was announced shortly after the club announced the coaching change. Seattle also signed midfielder Alvaro Fernandez. His availability is unknown. Clint Dempsey is expected to play for the Sounders. Galaxy midfielder Steven Gerrard could also be back in action. Gerrard sat out the Galaxy’s 1-0 victory over Houston (July 15) with an undisclosed injury. He told reporters Friday that he was “feeling fine and ready to go.” Ashley Cole (hamstring) and Nigel de Jong will likely be available.