CARSON, CA - The Los Angeles Galaxy announced today that former MLS striker and St. Mary's College (CA) head coach Steve Rammel has been named an assistant coach with the club. Rammel, who is replacing the departed Afshin Ghotbi, will be responsible for the technical development of the players. He will also assist Billy McNicol, who was promoted to the top assistant spot on Steve Sampson's technical staff, with the Galaxy's reserve team.
"We are pleased to add Steve to our technical staff," said Galaxy President and General Manager Doug Hamilton. "He adds another great resource and brings experience playing both internationally and in MLS, which will provide valuable insight for our players and our club."
Rammel, who received his USSF "A" license in January 1996, spent the last five seasons at the helm of the Saint Mary's men's soccer program and coached 20 players to All-West Coast Conference honors. Before joining St. Mary's, Rammel was the top assistant coach at UCLA for three seasons where he helped the Bruins to three straight NCAA Tournament appearances, including a College Cup appearance in 1999. Prior to his time spent at UCLA, Rammel was an assistant coach at the University of Massachusetts from 1994-96. He is currently the Olympic Development Program Region IV Head Coach for the Under-18 age group.
"Steve has all the necessary qualifications to be a professional coach and has paid his dues coaching youth, club, and college, plus he has been involved in the Olympic Development Program" said Galaxy Head Coach Steve Sampson. "As a former professional player, he understands MLS and the intricacies that make this league so difficult and knows what it takes to become a champion, and to stay on top. We are very happy to have him here as a part of our staff."
A native of Woodbury, New Jersey, Rammel spent two seasons in MLS with the Colorado Rapids (1997) and D.C. United (1996-97) compiling 15 goals and four assists in just 41 games. A 1996 MLS All-Star selection, he made two MLS Cup appearances, earning MLS Cup and U.S. Open Cup titles with United in his first season. Prior to joining United, he played with the USISL Washington Mustangs following a stint in Europe with the Tus Celle FC (1992-93) and S.C. Norderstedt (1991-92) in Germany. In 1991, he began his professional career with the Penn-Jersey Spirit of the APSL.
"First of all for me personally, I am very pleased to be back in MLS, this time on the coaching side, but also to be joining the current MLS and Open Cup champions, Steve Sampson, Doug Hamilton, and AEG is tremendous," said Rammel. "The players may have changed a little bit, but I can still relate to the veterans and pass on a lot of stuff to the younger guys as well. I am also looking forward to the challenge of working with the reserves and finding a few more players that can contribute to this team."
A member of the U.S. National Team in 1991, Rammel competed in the 1991 World University Games in Sheffield, England against Nigeria, Ireland, Uruguay, England and Iran. In 1985-86, he helped the Under-20 U.S. National team qualify for the FIFA World Youth Championship.
A graduate of Rutgers University, Rammel earned a degree in economics before receiving his MBA in finance from the University of Massachusetts.
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