THE QUARTERFINAL MATCH AT THE 2002 WORLD CUP WAS A CAREER HIGHLIGHT.

The quarterfinal match at the 2002 World Cup was a career highlight.
NEW YORK (AP) -- 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.
Now, three weeks 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 that 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."
Gulati didn't specify what opportunity Arena had, but the coach is likely to field a few calls.
He won more than twice as many games than any other U.S. coach and the team's run to the quarterfinals at the 2002 World Cup was a highlight.
But he'll 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 last month.
"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 did not return messages left at his home office and on his cell phone, but 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," Arena said. "As for me, I am planning to take some time off to weigh my future opportunities."
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