Seattle Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid admitted that his team were hoping to avenge last season's playoff elimination tonight.

Seattle host the LA Galaxy at Qwest Field in the MLS' first kick for season 2011 and Schmid said it was important to open up their campaign with an avenging win.

"There's a lot at stake because obviously they are the team that knocked us out of the playoffs, so we want to come out and we want to play well for that reason," he said.

Schmid had also set his goals high this season, targeting the minor Premiership as their goal for 2011.

"The body of work for your whole season is the Supporters' Shield, but people remember who wins the MLS Cup," Schmid added. "People don't remember who wins the Supporters' Shield."