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BRUCE ARENA Came up short in playoffs with NY |
SECAUCUS, N.J. - Former US national coach Bruce Arena resigned as New York Red Bulls coach and sporting director yesterday, two days after the team was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the second straight year.
Arena made the decision after talking with Red Bulls manager director Marc de Grandpre.
"Marc and I discussed the direction of the team and decided mutually that this was the best move for Red Bull New York," Arena said in a statement. "I wish the organization the best of luck going forward."
When reached by the Associated Press, Arena said he would not comment further on the resignation. De Grandpre said there was a confidentiality agreement between Arena and the Red Bulls.
Arena's resignation was the second of the day by a prominent Major League Soccer coach. Frank Yallop quit the Los Angeles Galaxy after coaching David Beckham this season to return to San Jose for a second stint in charge of the Earthquakes.
Arena led the team to a 12-11-7 record and third place in the Eastern Conference. The Red Bulls were eliminated Saturday in the playoffs by the Revolution, losing, 1-0, in a two-game aggregate goal series.
Arena compiled a 16-16-10 regular-season mark with New York. He made his MLS debut with the Red Bulls August 16, 2006, against D.C. United.
He posted a 4-5-3 record in 2006 after replacing interim coach Richie Williams, who took over when Mo Johnston was fired. However, the team was eliminated by D.C. United in the playoffs.
"I met with Bruce this morning to discuss the team and we decided it was in the best interests of the organization to part ways," de Grandpre said. "We made progress this season, but it was not where we wanted to be."
Yallop's jump to San Jose means the Galaxy will receive San Jose's third-round pick in the MLS SuperDraft as compensation.
"We felt that he was the right man," Beckham said in breaking the news Sunday night. "We felt that he's a good manager and a strong character with the team."
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