Reeling Galaxy Hire Former U.S. National Team Coach Arena

Carson, CA (AHN) - The struggling Los Angeles Galaxy, mired in an eight-game winless drought, named former U.S. national team mentor Bruce Arena on Monday as its new coach and general manager.

The 57-year-old Arena would take over for erstwhile coach Ruud Gullit and president and general manager Alexi Lalas, who both left the Galaxy Monday.

Arena inherits a struggling unit filled by marquee players David Beckham and Landon Donovan, both of whom were not in practice because of national team duties.

They currently sit at a 6-8-6 record and could be in danger of missing the postseason for the second straight campaign.

Arena is set to debut for the first time Thursday night when the Galaxy face the Chicago Fire at the Home Depot Center.

The two superstars, along with Carlos Ruiz, are expected to miss the game following national team commitments.

Cobi Jones, who mentored the Galaxy in a 2-2 tie against Chivas USA Thursday night, will continue his deputy role behind Arena.

Arena guided the national team to a quarterfinal finish in the 2002 World Cup although the Americans were first-round victims four years later in 2006. Overall, Arena compiled a 71-30-29 mark as coach of the United States.