So while I was at lunch today, this hit my inbox:
From the U.S. Soccer Communications Center:
BOB BRADLEY's TENURE AS HEAD COACH OF U.S. MEN'S NATIONAL TEAM ENDS
CHICAGO (July 28, 2011) - U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati announced today that Bob Bradley has been relieved of his duties as the head coach of the U.S. Men's National Team.
"We want to thank Bob Bradley for his service and dedication to U.S. Soccer during the past five years," said Gulati. "During his time as the head coach of our Men's National Team he led the team to a number of accomplishments, but we felt now was the right time for us to make a change. It is always hard to make these decisions, especially when it involves someone we respect as much as Bob. We wish him the best in his future endeavors."
This announcement comes after a meeting at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., between Gulati, Bradley and U.S. Soccer CEO Dan Flynn.
Bradley was named the head coach of the U.S. MNT in January of 2007 and during his five-year tenure compiled a 43-25-12 record. He led the team to a number of accomplishments, including winning the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup, finishing second in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, winning their World Cup qualifying group and advancing to the Round of 16 of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
U.S. Soccer will have a further announcement on Friday.
While there are many people out there who have said that perhaps a fresh young coach like Jason Kreis might be just what the USMNT needs, even a few players have mumbled as much in recent weeks. I think Jason could handle the challenge, he would dive in and live the mottos that have made him successful with Real Salt Lake. He would embrace "Fortuna audaces iuvat" and he would make bold choices both in the players who represent the US but also in how the team plays. I also have little doubt that he would make it a point that everyone understands that "the team is the star", something I think is much needed at the international level.
I do think that a few more years of experience would make Jason a much more viable option, but people probably thought the same thing when he took over as head coach at Real Salt Lake. I can only hope that we the fans of RSL will have have him for a few more seasons.
OFF MY SOAPBOX