Arena Named USMNT Head Coach

U.S. Soccer has announced that Bruce Arena will be returning as the head coach for the U.S. Men's National Team. Arena coached the team in the past, from 1998-2006, a stint that included qualification to two World Cups.

In a press release on the U.S. Soccer website, president Sunil Gulati said, "When we considered the possible candidates to take over the Men’s National Team at this time, Bruce was at the top of the list,” said Gulati. “His experience at the international level, understanding of the requirements needed to lead a team through World Cup qualifying, and proven ability to build a successful team were all aspects we felt were vital for the next coach. We all know Bruce will be fully committed to preparing the players for the next eight qualifying games and earning a berth to an eighth-straight FIFA World Cup in Russia.”

Aside from Arena's previous successes with the national team, he has also won at the collegiate and professional levels. He captured five NCAA titles during his time as head coach of the University of Virginia, between 1978 and 1996. He's also won five MLS titles during his time as head coach of both DC United and the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Arena takes over a team that is currently in last place in the final round of CONCACAF qualification for the 2018 World Cup, with zero points from its first two games. With eight more games to play in the qualification round, it will have to be seen if Arena can turn the team's recent fortunes around and lead them to qualification.