Bruce Arena breaks MLS win record; shares memories of Sigi Schmid

• by Mike Woitalla  @MikeWoitalla, Mar 5, 2022

New England's 1-0 win over FC Dallas on a Carles Gil penalty kick earned Coach Bruce Arena his 241st MLS victory, which makes him the league's all-time winningest coach.

MLS all-time winningest coaches
Bruce Arena 241
Sigi Schmid 240
Bob Bradley 182
Peter Vermes 171
Dominic Kinnear 170

After the game, Arena shared his memories of Sigi Schmid, whose record he broke. Schmid died in 2018 at age 65.

“Well, Sigi [Schmid], I’ve known for many years," Arena said. "Obviously, it started with our collegiate years. We worked together. I worked with him with one of the youth national teams many years ago. I remember us taking a trip together to France and doing a couple others."

Arena guided Virginia to five NCAA titles (1989, 1991-93) and Schmid celebrated three national championship at UCLA's helm (1985, 1990, 1997).

"And then he [Schmid] lived in Manhattan Beach, the years I was in L.A., as well as obviously coaching in Columbus and Seattle. So, we’ve had experiences, both on and off the field. I have the greatest respect for him. He was a gentleman and really dedicated to the game and his players. And he was a neighbor to my son actually, in Manhattan Beach as well. So, I’ve known Sigi for many years and you know, we’ve had a couple of beers together and all those things.

"It’s an honor to be associated with him."

Arena earned his record fourth MLS Coach of the Year honor last season, becoming at age 70 the oldest to get the award. He also coached a record five MLS Cup-winning teams.

"If I had a bunch of lousy teams, I don’t think I’d have the record," Arena said.

Bruce Arena wins by team
New England 39
LA Galaxy 125
NY Red Bulls 16
D.C. United 61