Tom Sermanni coached the Orlando Pride for three seasons. (David Manning-USA TODAY Sports)
Tom Sermanni is out as Orlando Pride head coach.
The former U.S. women’s national coach and the Pride mutually have agreed to part ways, the National Women’s Soccer League club team announced Friday.
Despite having the likes of several high-profile international players — Alex Morgan and Sydney Leroux, goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris and defender Ali Krieger of the United States and forward Marta of Brazil — the Pride finished out of the money for the NWSL playoffs in seventh place with an 8-10-6 record.
To make matters worse, Orlando suffered a 1-0 defeat in its regular-season finale last Saturday, the lone victory of the season by struggling Sky Blue FC.
“I want to thank Tom for all that he has done for the club, the community and for helping to build Orlando Pride over these first three seasons,” Orlando City SC general manager Niki Budalic said. “He will forever be a part of the Orlando Pride family. We want to extend the best wishes to Tom in the next steps of his career. Our goal for the Pride remains to field a playoff team that will bring an NWSL championship to our community and supporters.”
In a statement as part of a Pride press release, Sermani commented:
“It’s been a great honor to have been the inaugural coach of Orlando Pride and to have been a part of this wonderful organization. I’d like to thank all of our players, staff, fans and community for their tremendous support throughout my time here. I want to wish the team and the organization great success moving forward. I look forward to being an avid supporter and following the club’s fortunes.”
Sermanni was named the Pride’s first head coach in October 2015. In three seasons with the expansion side, Sermanni compiled a 24-29-14 record.
The Scotland native led Orlando to its first playoff appearance during the 2017 season, which led to Sermanni being named a finalist for NWSL coach of the year. In 2017 season, the Pride finished with a league-leading 45 goals scored and in third place.
The Pride will begin its search for Sermanni’s successor immediately.
