U.S. Soccer President Alan Rothenberg announced today that U.S. Soccer has exercised its option to retain Steve Sampson as head coach of the U.S. national team. Sampson, the U.S. coach since 1995, will guide the team through the 1998 World Cup. “Steve Sampson and his players have been given a number of great challenges, and they have responded each time” said Rothenberg. “We are very confident that he and his players are up to the challenge ahead in France. We’ve remained consistent all along in saying that Steve is the man to guide this team, and we are happy and proud to retain him as our head coach.” Sampson has compiled a 20-16-11 record since taking over as the team’s interim head coach in August of 1995. The U.S. sported an 8-2-6 record in CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying, with the only two losses occurring in Saprissa Stadium in Costa Rica. “At no time did I ever lose confidence in this team,” said Sampson. “I never thought we would fail to qualify. I felt all along that this team could always do well, but the challenge was difficult. When it came down to it, we pulled together and made it. Having said that, I want us to play better. It’s not good enough to me just to get results. I want us to do it with style.”