LA Galaxy mentor Bruce Arena has been named the 2009 MLS Coach of the Year. Arena led the Galaxy to its first play-off berth since 2005 after finishing on top of the Western Conference table, just a season after they were nailed to the bottom.

Now, the Galaxy is just one win away from the MLS Cup final as they take on Houston Dynamo in the Western Conference final this weekend.

It was the second time Arena has won the award following on from his triumph when at the helm of DC United back in 1997.