WASHINGTON, DC (Aug 11, 2008) USSoccerPlayers -- The all-time caps holder for the United States National Team is now the head coach of the LA Galaxy, with Cobi Jones replacing Ruud Gullit who left for "personal reasons." LA also announced president/GM Alexi Lalas is no longer part of the organization.
Reordering The Galaxy
The LA Galaxy now have a new interim coach and a reconfigured front office after the club announced they had parted company with coach Ruud Gullit and president/general manager Alexi Lalas.
In an announcement on Monday, Anschutz Entertainment Group called the Gullit move "amicable," saying "we appreciate and respect the issues that Ruud has highlighted with the club and are very grateful for all the hard work he has contributed while with the organization. Hopefully, he has laid the foundations for future success for the Los Angeles Galaxy."
Cobi Jones is now the interim head coach.
Lalas, the club's president/GM since April 2006, was let go.
“With Rudd moving on, we believe that this is the right time to make more sweeping changes throughout the organization,” Leiweke said. “Our commitment continues to be focused on not only winning the MLS Cup this and every season but to build a club capable of competing at the international level. This decision is the right one for the organization, the right one for the players and the right one for our fans. We thank Alexi for the tremendous hard work and dedication he brought to his job each and every day.”
Lalas' position will be covered by assistant GM Tom Payne on the business side and director of soccer Paul Bravo on the player side.
Define Meaningless
Once again making the point that the club friendly schedule isn't just for summer, Real Salt Lake will be playing Tigres on September 3rd for what they're seriously selling as "RSL’s final exhibition contest during its tenure at Rice-Eccles Stadium." Bask in the magical memories that were RSL's exhibition games at what was always going to be their temporary home. Hey, Real Madrid played there in '06 before opting out of what would have been their return to Rice-Eccles last week.
At The Ballpark
Chivas USA defender Claudio Suarez will be throwing out the first pitch tonight at Dodger Stadium. Fortunately, the Dodgers have a game there tonight against the Phillies. Otherwise, it would just look weird.
Waiver Wire: Midfielder Jeremy Barlow is no longer a member of DC United.
