Bruce Arena resigns as U.S. national team coach after World Cup qualifying failure

Bruce Arena resigned Friday, leaving the U.S. men's national team in search of a new coach as it begins the process of rebuilding following its World Cup qualifying debacle.

Arena's exit, which was expected, comes three days after a U.S. loss at Trinidad and Tobago, coupled with surprising wins by Panama and Honduras, combined to leave the U.S. out of the World Cup for the first time since 1986.

"When I took the job last November, I knew there was a great challenge ahead, probably more than most people could appreciate," Arena said in a statement released by U.S. Soccer. "Everyone involved in the program gave everything they had for the last 11 months and, in the end, we came up short. No excuses. We didn't get the job done, and I accept responsibility.

"This certainly is a major setback for the senior Men's National Team program, and questions rightly should be asked about how we can improve. No doubt this process already has started and will continue so that U.S. Soccer can progress. Having said that, it also is important to recognize the tremendous growth and accomplishments we have achieved over the past two decades in all areas, including player development, coaching education and a stable domestic professional league. This work is ongoing and despite the result in Trinidad, the sport is on the right path. By working together, I am confident soccer in this country will continue to grow in the years and decades ahead."

Arena, 66, replaced Jurgen Klinsman in November 2016 after the U.S. lost its first two games in the final round of CONCACAF qualifying.

A longtime fixture on the American soccer scene, Arena ends his second tenure in charge of the national team with 10 wins, six draws and two losses. He previously coached the U.S. at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups.