CARSON, Calif. - The Los Angeles Galaxy announced today that three-time MLS All-Star and former UCLA and Galaxy assistant coach Paul Bravo has been named the club's Director of Soccer. Bravo, who will report directly to the President and General Manager, will oversee all technical and business issues related to the senior team. Bravo has been an assistant coach since joining the Galaxy coaching staff on June 15, 2006.
"Paul is well-suited for this position," said Galaxy President and General Manager Alexi Lalas. "His MLS experience and his eye for talent will be invaluable as we look to strengthen our team and improve our performances going forward."
Prior to joining the Galaxy, Bravo served as an assistant coach at UCLA in 2004 and 2005, helping the Bruins to two Pac-10 Championships and a two-year record of 26-9-5, working with head coach Jorge Salcedo, a former Galaxy defender.
"I am looking forward to this new and exciting opportunity within the Galaxy organization," said Bravo. "I am dedicated to helping this organization get back to where it expects and demands to be; at the top of MLS."
From 2002-03, Bravo was an assistant coach with the Colorado Rapids following a successful MLS career that saw him play with the Rapids from 1997-2001 and the San Jose Clash in 1996. A three-time MLS All-Star selection (1996, 1998, 1999), Bravo helped the Rapids to the 1997 MLS Cup Championship game and is the first player in Colorado history to record 100 points, finishing his six-year MLS career with 52 goals and 27 assists.
Bravo made four appearances for the U.S. National Team from 1994-1999, scoring one goal and registering an assist. Prior to turning pro, Bravo led Santa Clara University to the 1989 NCAA Co-Championship and went on to earn a degree in Political Science in 1993.
Bravo also played professionally for the San Francisco Bay Blackhawks (APSL) in 1991, earning the Rookie of the Year award and helping the team to the APSL Championship. He also played for the 1994 U.S. Open Cup winners San Francisco Greek-Americans and played in 1995 with the Monterey Bay Jaguars of the USISL.
Bravo has worked as a coach for the Under-18 Men's U.S. National Team and was an assistant coach for the Region IV 88's in 2003 and the 89s' in 2004 and. He has a USSF "A" Coaching License and resides in Southern California.
The Los Angeles Galaxy visit the Colorado Rapids on Sunday, August 26, 2007 at 4 p.m. (PT) at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in a game that can be seen live on FSN West. For more information or to order tickets, please call the Galaxy toll-free at 1-877-3-GALAXY or visit www.lagalaxy.com.
