In a little over a year, Bruce Arena transformed one of the worst teams in the league into a contender for the 2009 MLS Cup. As a result of the remarkable turnaround, Arena was named as the 2009 Coach of the Year.
Hired to replace Ruud Guillt on August 18, 2008, Arena looked to change a Galaxy squad in disarray. A roster overhaul followed in the 2008-09 offseason, as Arena gutted the Galaxy, bringing in a number of new players. Those included Eddie Lewis, goalie Donovan Ricketts, and two solid rookies in AJ DeLaGarza and Omar Gonzalez. Most importantly, Arena helped the franchise return to the playoffs for the first time since 2005.
The award is Arena's second such accomplishment, the first since 1997 when he was head coach of D.C. United. Arena joins Sigi Schmid (who he defeated in this year's voting) and Bob Bradley as the third two-time award winner.
What do you think of the selection? Did voters make the right call? Did Arena deserve the nod?
Share your thoughts below.
