Zak Abdel joined the U.S. Men’s National Team staff in 2008, re-uniting with head coach Bob Bradley with whom he served the same role at Chivas USA.

The ex-Egyptian national team goalkeeper, who for seven consecutive seasons (1998-2004) oversaw the development of U.S. national team goalkeepers Kevin Hartman and Matt Reis as goalkeeper coach with the Los Angeles Galaxy, returned to Major League Soccer after a brief stint with the coaching staff of the U.S. U-20 national team led by head coach Sigi Schmid, which participated in the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship in Holland.

A native of Egypt, Abdel plied his trade professionally as a goalkeeper for 16 years, playing for Mehalla of the Egyptian first division, where he won two championships, in 1986 and 1988. Abdel also formed part of the Egyptian national team as a player with the U-14, U-16, U-17 and U-20 teams.

He came to the United States in 1994 to join the Los Angeles Salsa as goalkeeper coach. He also held the same position with Cal State University, Fullerton between 1996 and 1997, as well as PDL teams Orange County Zodiac and Orange County Blue Stars in 1997.

From January to February 2007, Abdel assisted Bradley’s U.S. National Team during its training camp at The Home Depot Center, including two friendly matches against Denmark and Mexico.

Abdel currently resides in La Verne, Calif., and is married to Mercedes Cano, and the couple has two sons, Eslam and Joseph, and one daughter, Gamilla.