The New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer moved quickly to hire Bruce Arena as their new coach. Arena was let go last week by the U.S. National Team after a disappointing showing at the 2006 World Cup Finals in Germany.
Arena will take over for interim coach Richie Williams who was 1-3-1 in five games at the helm. Williams will remain as coach for the next few weeks until Arena is available to join the team. Williams had taken over for Mo Johnston on June 27 after the newly renamed club got off to a disappointing start.
The Red Bulls are presently in last place in the MLS Eastern Conference with just three wins and 17 points. Their overall record is 3-6-8 and at times they have looked like a team in disarray.
In 130 games with the U.S. National Team, Arena had a 71-30-29 record. He led the U.S. to the quarterfinal round in 2002, its best showing ever. Prior to taking the helm of the U.S. National Team, Arena won two MLS Cups with D.C. United and won or shared five NCAA titles coaching at the University of Virginia.
The Red Bulls will hold a press conference at 1:00 PM EDT Tuesday to announce Arena's hiring. He will take over the reigns of the club on August 12 when the club has a friendly against UEFA Champions League winner FC Barcelona at Giants Stadium.
