CHICAGO (AP) — Tom Sermanni, who led Australia to the quarterfinals at the last two Women’s World Cups, has been chosen as the new coach of the U.S. women’s soccer team.
Sermanni replaces Pia Sundhage, who stepped down Sept. 1 after leading the U.S. women to back-to-back Olympic gold medals and their first World Cup final in 12 years. Sundhage finished with a 91-6-10 record in five years, including 23-1-1 this year.
U.S. Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati says Sermani has “the knowledge, experience and vision to take on the challenge of keeping our team at the top of the world.” He was chosen by a search committee that considered more than 30 candidates.
Sermanni takes over Jan. 1. Interim coach Jill Ellis will coach the Americans in exhibitions against Ireland on Nov. 28 in Portland, Ore., and on Dec. 1 in Glendale, Ariz., as well as three games that have yet to be announced.
