U.S. Women’s Soccer Team Defeats Canada

The defending world champion U.S. women’s national soccer team Sunday gave Coach Anson Dorrance the going-away present he wanted.

By defeating Canada, 6-0, in Montreal, the U.S. team clinched first place in the CONCACAF regional qualifying tournament for next summer’s FIFA Women’s World Championship in Sweden and earned the right to be one of the top seeds.

Sunday’s game was the last for Dorrance after nine years in charge of the American team. His record of 65-22-5 includes a world championship in China in 1991 and three CONCACAF championships.

“It has been a wonderful ride,” Dorrance said. “Coaching my final match was not as emotional as the night I announced to the team I was leaving. I really appreciate everything this team has done for me over the years.”

Assistant coach Tony DiCicco will take over today from Dorrance, who will continue to coach the perennial NCAA champion North Carolina women’s team.