New United States men's national team head coach Bruce Arena announced on Wednesday the technical staff he has chosen to try and lead the USMNT to a berth in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Citing consistency, Arena has selected four former coaches from the LA Galaxy, the Major League Soccer side he led from 2008-16. Former Galaxy associate head coach Dave Sarachan, assistants Pat Noonan and Kenny Arena and goalkeeping coach Matt Reis will join Arena and the U.S., who sit in last place in the Hexagonal after two matches.
"The entire staff has a great amount of playing and coaching experience both at the international and professional level," Arena said. "With the need to hit the ground running, it's even more critical that we have a staff that knows the player pool, shares a philosophy on how we approach the game, and knowledge and experience in the international arena."
Noonan recorded a goal and an assist in 21 matches with the Seattle Sounders in 2010 and '11. He earned 14 career caps and made his first international appearance under Arena during the coach's previous stint in charge of the U.S.
The United States, who will likely feature Sounders forwards Jordan Morris and Clint Dempsey, will host Serbia in the first of their two international friendlies on Jan. 29 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Calif. The USMNT will then face Jamaica in Chattanooga, Tenn., on Feb. 3.