Soccer Wire Notes: Arena is kicked out as coach

NEW YORK — Bruce Arena experienced unprecedented success as coach of the United States men's soccer team, including 71 victories during his eight-year tenure and a quarterfinal appearance at the 2002 World Cup.

But less than a month after the Americans' disappointing first-round exit from the World Cup in Germany, Arena is out despite an apparent wish to return to the team.

The U.S. Soccer Federation announced Friday the 54-year-old Arena's contract will not be renewed when it expires at the end of the year.

"Bruce expressed a desire to continue," federation president Sunil Gulati said. "I'm sure he'll have opportunities. He had a great opportunity before the World Cup, but he didn't want to be distracted. No doubt there will be multiple opportunities in the soccer world in the U.S. and outside, if he wants them."

Arena won more than twice as many games as any previous U.S. coach and the team's run to the quarterfinals at the 2002 World Cup was a highlight. But he will leave after losses to the Czech Republic and Ghana and a draw with eventual champion Italy at this year's World Cup, failing to make it out of the first round.

"Eight years is a long period," said Gulati, who was elected president of the federation in March. "I'm not saying we need to change direction, the direction Bruce set is very positive. But having a fresh approach, after eight years, which is a very long time, is the strongest factor."

Arena released a statement through the federation.

"I am proud of how far the organization has come over the last eight years, and I am extremely optimistic about the future of the sport in our country," he said. "As for me, I am planning to take some time off to weigh my future opportunities."

Arena's record is 71-30-29.

Arena coached the University of Puget Sound team in 1976 and also was a backup goalkeeper for the Tacoma Tides of the American Soccer League that year.

Gulati said a search for a new U.S. coach will begin immediately. The team will play matches later this year and Arena would manage the team if his successor is not found by then, Gulati said.

Several people have been mentioned as possible candidates, including Juergen Klinsmann, who resigned Wednesday after guiding his native Germany to third place at the World Cup. Klinsmann has said he had no interest and had not been contacted by the U.S. federation, a statement confirmed by Gulati.

There has been speculation Arena will coach the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer.

Juventus is demoted

ROME — Italian powerhouse Juventus was demoted to the second division for match-fixing by a sports tribunal and stripped of its last two Serie A titles, one of several sanctions aimed at cleaning up the scandal-marred game as the nation celebrates its fourth World Cup title.

Lazio and Fiorentina also were demoted to Serie B. AC Milan was spared demotion but given a 15-point penalty and won't play in any European competition this season.

The toughest penalties meted out to individuals were against ex-Juventus general manager Luciano Moggi and ex-Juventus chief executive Antonio Giraudo, who received the maximum five-year ban for match-fixing and disloyalty, with a recommendation to the Italian soccer federation (FIGC) to make it a lifetime ban.

The pair, who resigned in May along with the club's entire board, were accused of creating a network of contacts with FIGC officials to influence refereeing assignments and get players yellow-carded — allegations that are at the heart of the scandal.

Major League Soccer

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At Red Bulls 1, Rapids 0

Amado Guevara scored on a first-half penalty kick to lead New York (3-6-8) past Colorado (7-6-3).