Cabrera out as US Under-17 national team coach

Wilmer Cabrera

US Soccer announced Tuesday that Wilmer Cabrera will be leaving his role as head coach of the US Under-17 men's national team after the two sides mutually agreed to part ways.


"After several discussions with Wilmer, we agreed that parting ways at this time was the best way forward," USSF president Sunil Gulati said in a statement. "We appreciate Wilmer's contributions to US Soccer during the past four years with the Under-17 men's national team. We wish him all the best in the future."


Cabrera will coach the team through January, including an international trip to Turkey, as US Soccer transitions to a new coaching staff to oversee the U-17 Residency Program in Bradenton, Fla. A search for a replacement is underway.


"I've enjoyed my time with the U-17s, but my journey with US Soccer will be coming to an end," Cabrera said in a statement. "I am looking forward to the next stage of my coaching career."


Cabrera was named the head coach of the US U-17s in the fall of 2007. During his four years, he guided the squad to the Round of 16 in both the 2009 and 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cups. Cabrera earned 48 caps for the Colombian national team as a player from 1989 to 1998.

Cabrera out as US Under-17 national team coach -