Bob Bradley has been named as the permanent coach of the United States National Soccer team after five months as interim coach. Bradley led team USA to victories over Denmark, Mexico & Ecuador after taking over the job on a interim basis in December.
"I'm proud, excited and honored to be named coach of the U.S. national team," Bradley told a news conference.
Former USA National Soccer team head coach Bruce Arena stood down following the 2006 World Cup disaster.
U.S. Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati, who prior to December had talked with former Germany coach Juergen Klinsmann about the vacancy, said he had been convinced that Bradley was the right man.
"Bob Bradley has shown every one in the past few months just how ready he is for this job," said Sunil Gulati, the President of the U.S. Soccer Federation. "Every decision he has made has been about the betterment of the team, and the betterment of the program, not about 'what might be best for the future of Bob Bradley.'
Bradley was named MLS coach of the year in 1998 and 2006 and has coached three Major League Soccer teams including the Chicago Fire, New York-New Jersey Metrostars and Chivas USA.
Team USA faces China on June 2 in San Jose before hosting the Gold Cup tournament from June 6th, 2007.
After which, the US National Soccer team will head down to Venezuela for the COPA America on June 26th, 2007.
Here is a complete list of teams schedule to play in the 2007 COPA America:
Venezuela
Argentina
Bolivia
Brazil – 2004 COPA America Cup Champions
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Mexico
Paraguay
Peru
Uruguay
USA
