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Sermanni named U.S. Women's soccer coach

Tom Sermanni was named the head coach of the U.S. Women's National Team, U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati announced Tuesday.

Sermanni, 58, is the seventh head coach in the team's history, and brings 11 years head-coaching experience in international women's soccer.

He spent that time with Australia, and guided the Matildas in three Women's World Cup tournaments.

Sermanni, who replaces Pia Sundhage (2008-2011), will officially take over the U.S. Women's National Team on Jan. 1, 2013. He was hired after a committee reviewed more than 30 candidates from around the world.

"After an extensive search and interview process, we believe Tom Sermanni is the right person at the right time to lead our Women's National Team," said Gulati. "He has the knowledge, experience and vision to take on the challenge of keeping our team at the top of the world. He has a tremendous passion for the game, knows the American players, understands our system and knows the process of preparing a team for a World Cup tournament. We're tremendously excited to have him on board as we look forward to qualification for the 2015 Women's World Cup."

Sermanni, a native of Scotland, will finish up his his responsibilities with the Matildas, with U.S. Soccer Women's Development Director Jill Ellis will coach the team for the last five matches of the Fan Tribute Tour.

"I'm honored to have this opportunity to work with tremendous players and in a program that has had such a tradition of success," said Sermanni. "U.S. Soccer has always been at the forefront of supporting the women's game, and it's exciting to coach the team in this next chapter of its history. After coaching against many of these players for years, I am looking forward to working with an accomplished group of veterans while integrating the numerous talented young players who are itching for a chance to prove themselves. It will be an exciting few years for the U.S. team and for all the great fans as we work toward the highest goals at the 2015 Women's World Cup."