Head coach Phil Wheddon just completed his sixth season at the helm of the Orange women's soccer program.
Photo by: Michael J. Okoniewski
Wheddon, Team USA Headed to World Cup Qualifier
1/7/2014 1:38:00 PM | Women's Soccer
Syracuse head women's soccer coach Phil Wheddon will serve on the coach staff for the United States women's under-20 squad that will compete at the CONCACAF Championship in the Cayman Islands January 9-19. Three teams from the competition will qualify for the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup to be held August 5-24.
The 2014 CONCACAF Women's U-20 Championship features eight nations divided into two groups of four teams. The top two finishers in each group will qualify for the semifinals, with the winners of those games along with the winner of the third-place match earning berths to this summer's Women's World Cup in Canada.
"I am thrilled an honored to have the opportunity to represent the US in World Cup Qualifying," Wheddon said. "Having seen most of these players in the college season, it's great to get to work with them collectively and to be able to work with such a great staff as well."
The United States opens Group A play on Thursday, Jan. 9 against Costa Rica before facing Jamaica on Saturday, Jan. 11. The USA concludes group play on Monday, Jan. 13 against Guatemala. The semifinals take place on Friday, Jan. 17, while the championship and third-place matches are set for Sunday, Jan. 19.
Wheddon, who just completed his sixth season at the helm of the Orange women's soccer program, is no stranger to international competition. He served as an assistant coach/goalkeeper coach for the U.S. women's senior national team, helping the squad to two Olympic gold medals and third-place finishes at the 2003 and 2007 World Cup. He also served on the U.S. men's national team coaching staff at the 2006 World Cup. In addition, Wheddon has worked with the U.S. U-23 team for the past three years.
The 2014 CONCACAF Women's U-20 Championship features eight nations divided into two groups of four teams. The top two finishers in each group will qualify for the semifinals, with the winners of those games along with the winner of the third-place match earning berths to this summer's Women's World Cup in Canada.
"I am thrilled an honored to have the opportunity to represent the US in World Cup Qualifying," Wheddon said. "Having seen most of these players in the college season, it's great to get to work with them collectively and to be able to work with such a great staff as well."
The United States opens Group A play on Thursday, Jan. 9 against Costa Rica before facing Jamaica on Saturday, Jan. 11. The USA concludes group play on Monday, Jan. 13 against Guatemala. The semifinals take place on Friday, Jan. 17, while the championship and third-place matches are set for Sunday, Jan. 19.
Wheddon, who just completed his sixth season at the helm of the Orange women's soccer program, is no stranger to international competition. He served as an assistant coach/goalkeeper coach for the U.S. women's senior national team, helping the squad to two Olympic gold medals and third-place finishes at the 2003 and 2007 World Cup. He also served on the U.S. men's national team coaching staff at the 2006 World Cup. In addition, Wheddon has worked with the U.S. U-23 team for the past three years.
Syracuse WSOC Highlights vs Duke
Friday, October 24
Syracuse WSOC Highlights vs Boston College
Sunday, October 19
Syracuse Women's Soccer
Sunday, October 19
Syracuse Highlights vs Miami
Sunday, October 12
