Bradley to coach U.S. men's soccer team

New York -- Bob Bradley's appointment as head coach of the U.S. men's soccer team was made official Wednesday, five months after taking over as interim coach.

Bradley replaces long-time team Coach Bruce Arena, who was told by U.S. soccer officials after the World Cup he would not be retained.

"I am very proud and honored to be named head coach of the U.S. National Team," Bradley said at a news conference.
"... Our goal is clear: to build a team capable of being successful in the 2010 World Cup. We are off to a very good start, and I am looking forward to the challenging road ahead."

The U.S. men are 3-0-1 under Bradley, who also coaches the Under-23 national team. That squad is looking to qualify for the 2008 Olympics.

Bradley began his coaching career at Princeton and was an assistant with D.C. United of the MLS before becoming head coach of the league's Chicago Fire. He coached 12 years in the MLS, amassing a league-best 124 victories.

Copyright 2007 by United Press International.