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Major U.S. Soccer Coaches on the Move

Posted by NSCAA on Sep 3, 2012 in Community 0 Comments

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Saturday, Pia Sundhage announced that she was stepping down as the U.S. women's soccer coach. Following a successful run that included two Olympic gold medals, the last coming just three weeks ago in London, and a trip to the final of the 2011 Women’s World Cup, Pia leaves the U.S. Women’s National Team after nearly five years and an overall record of 88-6-10.

She is expected to stay with the team for the next two upcoming friendly games. The USWNT will play a pair of exhibitions against Australia on Sept. 16 in Carson, Calif., and Sept. 19 in Commerce City, Colo. The U.S. will then play two-time World Cup champion Germany on Oct. 20 in Bridgeview, Ill., and Oct. 23 in East Hartford, Conn.
 
Prior to taking over the helm of the USWNT in 2008, Pia had approximately 15 years of coaching experience with several clubs in Sweden, the Philadelphia Charge and Boston Breakers of the WUSA, and as an assistant with the Chinese Women’s National Team.
 
NSCAA Chief Executive Officer, Joe Cummings, worked with Pia Sundhage in 2003, when she was the head coach of the Breakers and Joe was the team's President and General Manager. That season the Breakers were the regular season champions. 
 
In speaking about Pia, Joe highlights her enthusiasm for the players, the team and the fans. "She never lets anything deter her from enjoying everything about the sport we all love. I was very fortunate to work with her and wish her all the best."
 
The NSCAA was fortunate to have Pia grace the NSCAA Convention with her presence in 2009 where she gave a presentation on “Getting Into the Attacking Third by Playing to Her ‘Best Foot’”
 
Earlier last week, Caleb Porter was named head coach of the Portland Timbers beginning in the 2013 season. Caleb will remain with the Akron Zips through their 2012 season. He also recently served as the head coach of the U.S. U-23 National Team. Caleb led the Zips to their first national championship in 2011. Five of the players from that team were drafted in the first round of the 2011 MLS SuperDraft.
 
Caleb had been the head coach of Akron since 2006 when he replaced Ken Lolla who left for the University of Louisville. Prior to joining Akron, Caleb was an assistant coach at the University of Indiana from 2000-2005. While an assistant coach with the Hoosiers, the team won a national championship in 2003 and 2004. Caleb also played at Indiana from 1994 to 1997 under the guidance of legendary NSCAA Hall of Fame coach Jerry Yeagley.
 
Porter was named the NSCAA National Coach of the Year in 2009 following his teams run to the NCAA National Championship game with an unbeaten record.
 
Are you looking for a career move or your next coach? Check out the NSCAA’s new Career Center! The NSCAA Career Center is the premier electronic recruitment resource for soccer coaches, providing a host of free benefits and tools.

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