Calling him “the most accomplished coach in American soccer history,” the San Jose Earthquakes on Thursday announced they have hired Bruce Arena as sporting director and head coach.

Arena, 73, told ESPN a day earlier he would be overseeing the reconstruction of the franchise, which finished last in the MLS by a wide margin last season and hasn’t had a winning season since 2013. The Quakes also noted in the release that In his new dual role, Arena will report to ownership, with general manager Chris Leitch reporting to Arena.

The Quakes said Arena will meet with the media next week.

“I am extremely excited for the opportunity to come to San Jose,” Arena said in a statement released by the team. “I coached my first ever professional game at Spartan Stadium in 1996 — the first game in MLS history — and my first international game with the U.S. in 1998 was in San Jose as well. The Earthquakes and Northern California have a proud soccer tradition. There’s a lot of potential with the club, and I am looking forward to working with everyone here to unlock that potential and get back to winning ways.”

Arena’s teams have won the MLS Cup an unprecedented five times and received the Supporters’ Shield four times for having the league’s best regular-season record. In addition to winning the most regular-season games (262) and postseason games (35) in MLS history, he is the U.S. men’s national team’s winningest coach. Arena won 81 games with the USMNT, reaching the World Cup twice (making the quarterfinals in 2002) and won the CONCACAF Gold Cup three times.

“With an unsurpassed track record at all levels of soccer in our country that includes numerous MLS Cups and Supporters’ Shields, he’s the ideal choice to lead the Earthquakes,” managing partner John Fisher said in the release. “We know he will help get the club back to the level that San Jose and the Bay Area deserve, winning games and competing for championships.”

— Laurence Miedema

Women’s basketball

Cal demolishes Idaho State >> The Cal women’s basketball team defeated Idaho State 88-36 on Thursday at Haas Pavilion, the program’s largest margin of victory since defeating Cal State Northridge by 62 points on Dec. 30, 2015.

The Bears were led by graduate guard Ioanna Krimili, who scored a game-high 18 points and knocked down four 3-pointers. Sophomore guard Lulu Twidale chipped in 13 points and six assists.

Cal cruised to a win in its season opener as well, handily defeating Saint Mary’s by 32 points. Cal’s next game will come against San Jose State, which defeated Xavier 55-36 in its season opener. Senior forward Djessira Diawara and sophomore guard Sydni Summers each scored 11 points for the Spartans in the win.

Around the Bay Area, Cal men’s basketball, Saint Mary’s men’s basketball and Stanford women’s basketball played late Thursday night.

— Justice delos Santos

College football

Herbstreit’s popular dog, Ben, dies >> Football analyst Kirk Herbstreit announced Thursday that his beloved dog, Ben, died at age 10.

Ben was a golden retriever who gained fame for regularly accompanying Herbstreit to games and even appearing on set and the sideline.

Herbstreit, who calls college football on ESPN and NFL games on Amazon Prime Video, posted on X that cancer had spread through his dog’s organs and “there was nothing left we could do — we had to let him go.”

The 55-year-old former Ohio State quarterback said he’s had dogs his whole life but “Ben was 1 on 1.”

Ben last traveled to Bloomington, Indiana, for the Hoosiers’ game against Washington on Oct. 26. His friendliness and frolicking made him a favorite with players, coaches and fans, and condolences poured in online.

Herbstreit told The Associated Press last year that Ben provided a piece of home on the road.

“Just having him come out with me is the best companion you can hope for. He’s super chill and welcoming,” Herbstreit said before an NFL game last December in Las Vegas. “What’s cool is taking him to the games. Both production groups have got to know him. He’s really become part of the team. If I don’t bring him to the meetings, people ask.”

MLB

McFarland signs one-year deal with a’s >> Left-hander T.J. McFarland is remaining with the Athletics, agreeing to a $1.8 million, one-year contract. He can earn an additional $250,000 in performance bonuses for games: $50,000 for 50, and $100,000 each for 60 and 70.

McFarland was acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 26 and had a 3.81 ERA in 79 games.