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By Mark Lamport-Stokes
LOS ANGELES, Aug 21 (Reuters) - Los Angeles Galaxy's new coach Bruce Arena made his first signing since taking charge earlier this week with the addition of U.S. international midfielder Eddie Lewis on Thursday.
Lewis, 34, represented the U.S. at the World Cup in 2002 and 2006 and has scored 10 goals for his country in 81 appearances. Last season, he played for English team Derby County, who were then in the Premier League.
To make room for Lewis on the club's 18-man senior roster, the Galaxy traded Guatemala striker Carlos Ruiz to Toronto FC in exchange for a first and second round pick in the 2009 draft, plus salary budget considerations.
"I strongly believe that Eddie Lewis will be an outstanding addition to the Galaxy," Arena said in a statement. "He brings great experience to the club, will be a wonderful addition to our locker room and is a player the fans are sure to support.
"I have known Eddie for a number of years, I rate him as a first-class player and person and I'm honoured to welcome him to the Galaxy family."
Arena, who was named Ruud Gullit's successor on Monday, also paid tribute to Ruiz who scored 62 goals in three-and-a-half years with the club.
AVAILABLE OPTION
"Unfortunately, the sport of soccer is also a business and in order to bring Eddie to the Galaxy we were required to make salary budget space available and our only available option was to move Carlos," he said.
"Carlos is proven to be one of the great goalscorers in the history of this league and I have the highest regard for him. We wish him the very best in the future."
Arena, who coached the U.S. national team from 1998 to 2006, faces a huge challenge at David Beckham-led Galaxy as the club bids to reach the playoffs for the first time in three years.
Although the Galaxy made a promising start to this season with former England captain Beckham and U.S. international Landon Donovan in good form, they are in the middle of an eight-game winless streak.
The team lie fifth in the Western Conference and have conceded a league-high 42 goals in 20 games.
Arena's first game in charge was against the Chicago Fire at the Home Depot Center later on Thursday.
