Peter Vagenas continues his climb through the LA Galaxy Ranks

Carson, CA – The LA Galaxy announced today that former captain Peter (Pete) Vagenas has been named Vice President of Soccer Operations. In 2013 he was named Director of the LA Galaxy Academy. With this most recent move, Vagenas will have an expanded role in overseeing soccer operations for all three clubs (LA Galaxy, LA Galaxy II, and LA Galaxy Academy). He will work closely with Head Coach and General Manager Bruce Arena. Vagenas played for the LA Galaxy for nine of his 13 seasons in MLS, winning two MLS Cups with the club (2002, 2005).

LA Galaxy President Chris Klein said in a press release “He is one of our club’s most storied and successful players and has been committed to the growth of the LA Galaxy on and off the field for over a decade. This move continues to align our soccer operations from Academy through our first team. We are thrilled to have Peter take an expanded role within our club.” Klein is also a former player with the club.

As the Academy Director Peter Vagenas was responsible for establishing the Galaxy as one of the most successful academies in North America – with 15 Academy players signed to professional contracts across LA Galaxy (MLS) and LA Galaxy II (USL). He also oversaw the development of the LA Galaxy Blended Learning Program which provides a high school education at StubHub Center for student athletes in the same environment that LA Galaxy and LA Galaxy II play in.

Vagenas is from Pasadena, and UCLA was picked in the second round of the 2000 MLS Superdraft (23rd overall). He made his debut against the New England Revolution on May 24th, 2000 scoring in a 2-1 loss. He was named the club captain before the 2005 season and led the Galaxy to the double (MLS Cup, and U.S. Open Cup). He appeared in more than 250 matches in his career winning two MLS Cups, and four U.S. Open Cups (2001, 2005 with LA; 2009, 2010 with Seattle).  He also won the 2002 Supporters’ Shield and 2000 CONCACAF Champions Cup with LA.