Tony DiCicco will be remembered and honored at all NWSL games this weekend. (Andy Mead/YCJ Photo)
CHICAGO – The National Women’s Soccer League announced Wednesday that all clubs will hold a moment of silence prior to the start of this weekend’s games in honor of legendary women’s soccer coach Tony DiCicco.
DiCicco passed away at the age of 68 Monday night.
The NWSL will be provide all players and coaches with a memorial armband featuring DiCicco’s initials.
DiCicco was a foundational figure for women’s soccer in the U.S. as well as globally. He was the head coach of the U.S. women’s national team from 1994-1999 and helped transform the squad into a world, directing the Americans to the gold medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics before guiding the side to the 1999 Women’s World Cup championship that culminated in a penalty shootout victory over China at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.
The Wethersfield, Conn. native also coached the Under-20 U.S. Women’s National Team to the 2008 U-20 Women’s World Cup and was involved as a goalkeeper coach for the women’s squad team that won the inaugural Women’s World Cup in 1991.
He remained in that position until 1994 when he succeeded Anson Dorrance as head coach. DiCicco posted a 105-8-8 record at the helm – a .901 winning percentage – and his 105 international wins are the most for a USWNT head coach.
DiCicco also was heavily involved in developing a women’s professional soccer in the U.S. – serving as the Chief Operating Officer for Women’s United Soccer Association in 2001 and Commissioner in 2002 and 2003. He returned to coaching with the Boston Breakers from 2009-2011 during their time in Women’s Professional Soccer.
He also served as a color commentator on several NWSL broadcasts – including during the 2013 playoffs.
