LOS ANGELES — Alexi Lalas became president and general manager of the Los Angeles Galaxy on Monday, returning to a team he led to the MLS Cup title.
"This is an incredible opportunity to return to a team that I know and love," Lalas said.
Lalas, one of America's highest-profile soccer players, stepped down from a similar position with the New York Red Bulls. Lalas replaces Galaxy president Doug Hamilton, who died of a heart attack March 9.
"Doug Hamilton established a standard of excellence for this club, on and off the field, and it is our responsibility to continue to live up to that standard," Lalas said.
Shawn Hunter, president of AEG Sports, praised Lalas as "one of soccer's brightest executives."
"While we recognize that it is an incredible task to replace the contributions and insight that Doug Hamilton brought to AEG and the Galaxy, Alexi's leadership will be invaluable to the team and our organization," Hunter said.
Lalas spent three seasons as a player with the Galaxy, winning the 2002 MLS Cup and the 2001 U.S. Open Cup.
Following his retirement in 2003, Lalas became president and general manager in San Jose before joining New York last year.