CARSON, Calif. -- U.S. Soccer have chosen to award their highest honor to LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena.
On Thursday, the Galaxy boss was named the 2014 receipient of the Werner Fricker Builder Award. The award is the highest honor that an individual can receive from the U.S. Soccer Federation and is given only to those who have "worked tirelessly on furthering the interest of the sport of soccer without regard to personal recognition or advaancement."
“Every year we are presented with examples of extraordinary individuals who have developed the game of soccer in this country and this year we are extremely pleased to honor Bruce Arena with the Werner Fricker Builder Award,” said U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati in a statement. “Bruce’s contribution to soccer in the United States began as a coach at Virginia 37 years ago and during that time he has guided college, professional and National Teams to national and international titles. The path he paved certainly set the bar higher and the legacy he created will last for future generations.”
Arena is by far the most celebrated U.S. head coach with five MLS Cups to his credit and is the winningest all-time head coach in U.S. National Team history. The New York native led the U.S. to two FIFA World Cups including the team's best finish in team history during the 2002 tournament.
“I am honored to receive the Werner Fricker Builder Award from U.S. Soccer,” said Arena in a U.S. Soccer issued release. “I’ve been privileged to have the opportunity to build the sport of soccer in the United States over the last 40 years. I am humbled by this honor and proud to be amongst the prestigious company of the other Werner Fricker Soccer Builder Award Winners.”
