Bruce Arena Inducted into National Soccer Hall of Fame

Former Virginia Cavaliers head coach Bruce Arena had already made his name as a legend while in Charlottesville, having brought home five NCAA titles, including four in a row from 1991-1994 and an overall record of 295-58-32 over his 18 years. Today, Arena was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame prior to the USA-Brazil match at the New Meadowlands Stadium. Arena was elected to the Hall of Fame back in late January on the builder ballot.

To be eligible for the Hall of Fame as a Builder, an individual in a non-playing capacity must have demonstrated a major, sustained and positive impact on U.S. soccer on a national or first division professional level for a minimum of 10 years.

In addition to Arena, the 2010 Induction Class includes Thomas Dooley and Preki Radosavljevic in the Player category and Kyle Rote, Jr. in the Veteran category.

The private ceremony took place at 4 p.m., and was followed by a reception for the new inductees, Hall of Famers, and invited guests, including the Colin Jose Media Award and Medal of Honor recipients.

"Bruce Arena's passion for the game, ability to build exceptionally competitive teams at the collegiate and the professional level, and his outstanding work with the U.S. Men's National Team are well known and highly regarded by his colleagues and opponents," HOF President Jonathan Ullman stated. "His tremendous record of service in soccer and success in the game has earned him election to the Hall of Fame."

After coaching at Virginia, Arena has also coached the United States U-23 team (1995-96), DC United (1996-98), the U.S. national team (1998-2006), New York Red Bulls (2006-07), and is currently coaching LA Galaxy, where he was recipient of the MLS Coach of the Year Award just this past year.

Your UVa Fun Fact: Arena wasn't just the soccer coach while at Virginia. From 1978-1985, he coached both the soccer and lacrosse teams, before devoting himself completely to soccer.