Soccer Coached Rewarded

Steve Sampson, who has been the U.S. men’s soccer team’s interim coach since April, has been hired as head coach, sources close to U.S. Soccer said.

Sampson, 38, the former men’s coach at Santa Clara University, accepted the position before the United States’ quarterfinal victory over Mexico on Monday at the Copa America tournament in Uruguay, one source said.

More than one source said U.S. Soccer officials won’t announce Sampson’s promotion until during or immediately after the four-team Parmalat Cup on Aug. 4-6 in New Jersey.

Sampson did not return calls to his hotel in Maldonado, Uruguay.

Sunil Gulati, U.S. Soccer nationalteams chairman, denied the move. “No decision has been made,” he said from his office in Los Angeles. “You had better find a couple of new sources.”

Host Uruguay, with veteran Enzo Francescoli setting up both goals, advanced to the finals of the America Cup with a 2-0 soccer victory over Colombia.

Edgardo Adinolfi rewarded the home crowd with a score in the 51st minute and Marcelo Otero added another goal in the 70th. On Sunday, the Uruguayans will play the winner of tonight’s other semifinal between Brazil and the U.S.

The loser will play Colombia for third place Saturday.