The U.S. women’s soccer team is looking for a new head coach after an embarrassing loss at the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
ESPN reported on Sunday, citing sources within the U.S. Soccer Federation, that head coach Vloko Andonovski is expected to be fired.
Andonovski, who was hired in 2019, is expected to be fired after the team’s worst-ever performance at the World Cup.
The U.S., ranked No. 1 in the FIFA rankings, was considered a heavy favorite to win the tournament, but packed it in early after drawing 0-0 with Sweden in the round of 16 and then losing 4-5 on penalties.
It was a huge blow for the U.S., which had hoped to win back-to-back titles after Canada in 2015 and France in 2019.
“This is the time to be criticized,” Andonovsky said, seemingly anticipating the criticism he would receive.
Indeed, the Americans have been criticized for their poor showing in the group stage of the tournament. They won their first game 3-0 against Vietnam, who were considered the underdogs, but then drew back-to-back games against the Netherlands and Portugal to finish second in the group. 먹튀검증
If the US had finished first, they would have faced South Africa in the round of 16 with relative ease. Instead, the Netherlands, who finished first, beat South Africa 2-0 to reach the quarterfinals.
With Andonovski hanging up his boots, the U.S. will likely spend some time searching for a new coach. Two friendlies have been scheduled against South Africa in September, but they will likely be led by an interim coach.
