Sermanni sacked by US national team

In a shock move, former Matildas’ coach Tom Sermanni has been sacked by the governing body of US Soccer.

In a shock move, former Matildas- coach Tom Sermanni has been sacked by the governing body of US Soccer.

Sermanni had been in charge of the US Women-s national team for just over a year after taking the Matildas to Asian Cup glory in 2010 and successive World Cup quarter finals finishes in 2007 and 2011.

U.S. Soccer Director of Development Jill Ellis will serve as interim head coach, starting with the USA's next match against China PR on April 10 in San Diego, US Soccer announced in a press release.

"We want to thank Tom for his service over the past year and half, but we felt that we needed to go in a different direction at this time," said U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati. "We will begin looking for a new coach immediately to guide our Women's National Team toward qualifying for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup."

"I'm disappointed that things didn't work out, but I'd like to thank U.S. Soccer for the opportunity to have coached this team and also the staff and players for all their hard work," said Sermanni.