Notable American soccer coaching debuts

Posted Friday, August 12, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

Jurgen Klinsmann made his debut with the United States national team on August 10, 2011. The United States scored a second half goal to force a draw with Mexico at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. It wasn't a great result but it was a measure of redemption for the United States. They were crushed by Mexico in the most recent meeting. The debut for Klinsmann is more about him learning the moves of his players than it is winning. The goal is to make the United States a world power in the sport. USA soccer coaches have had mixed records in their debuts. Here is a look at the debut games of the most recent soccer coaches in national team history.

Bob Bradley

Bradley was named interim coach in December of 2006. He found immediate success for the United States, winning his first match via a 3-1 win over Denmark. Landon Donovan was among the Americans that scored goals in that win. Bradley went on to beat Mexico and Ecuador in his next two matches. Soon after, the United States lifted his interim tag. He had 10 wins and one draw in his first 11 games. Many of Bradley's early wins came as an interim coach.

Bruce Arena

Arena is probably the most successful coach in United States soccer history. He took over the team in 1998 after a horrible performance at the World Cup. In his first match later that year, the United States played to a scoreless draw against Australia. His first win would come the following February against Germany.

Steve Sampson

Sampson took over the national team in April of 1995. He was given the interim title for his first match, a 1-0 loss to Belgium. Sampson carried on through the spring and summer and was named a full time coach in August. His first game as a full time coach was a loss to Sweden.

Bora Milutinovic

Milutinovic was the national team coach for the 1994 World Cup in the United States. His first game was a win on May 5, 1991 against Uruguay. Milutinovic would help the United States build a lot of momentum over his tenure, ultimately leading them to the knockout stages of the 1994 World Cup. He resigned from the United States shortly after the World Cup.