Los Angeles - Former UCLA midfielder Peter Vagenas has been promoted to General Manager of the LA Galaxy, announced the club on Monday.

"Being from Los Angeles and having invested much of my career into the growth of the LA Galaxy, I am extremely proud to continue with this great club as General Manager and Vice President of Soccer Operations," said Vagenas in a statement. "I feel that my experiences within this organization will allow me to succeed in this role as the LA Galaxy continue to grow as a premier soccer club in North America. I look forward to working with both our front office and coaching staff as we push to win championships while further aligning all of our operations within the LA Galaxy, LA Galaxy II and the LA Galaxy Academy."

Vagenas was an All-American for the Bruins in 1999 and a finalist for the M.A.C. Award that same year. He was a member of the 1997 National Championship team, while also being named an All-Tournament Team selection at the 1999 College Cup. Vagenas was an all-conference honoree all four years he played for the Bruins. He ended his career with 15 goals and 30 assists in 82 games and continues to rank inside the program's top-10 in career assists.

The Southern California native played nine of his 13 seasons in the MLS with the LA Galaxy and is a two-time MLS Cup champion including being named captain of the Galaxy's 2005 championship team. He made over 180 appearances for the Galaxy and scored 14 goals with 12 assists.

Vagenas will retain his current role as the team's vice president of soccer operations while replacing the departing Bruce Arena, who left for the U.S. national team last week.