Greg Ryan out as coach of the U.S. women soccer team

Following the World Cup semi-final loss to Brazil, Greg Ryan is effectively out as U.S. women's coach.

Greg Ryan out as coach of the U.S. women soccer team The contract of Greg Ryan as the head coach of the U.S. women soccer team will not be renewed, when it expires at the end of 2007, was the official announcement made today by U.S. soccer president Sunil Gulati. The International has no more game this year, and this effectively put an end to Greg Ryan's career with the U.S. women's team. Gulati declined to point to a specific decision or factor, but commented that "the expectation is to compete for a gold medal virtually every time we're in competition," clearly hinting to the World Cup 4-0 loss against Brazil. The U.S. team was the favorite to win the Cup, but Greg Ryan decided to replace goal keeper Hope Solo with Briana Scurry before the game, which many consider the main reason for the team's unexpected loss.

A committee consisting of Sunil Gulati, Dan Flynn and retired star Mia Hamm will start the search for a new coach. The process of finding replacement for Greg Ryan should take about a month, according to Gulati. The U.S. team set to resume training in January in preparation for the Beijing Olympics.

Published on 10/22/2007