CONNECTICUT: Tony DiCicco, who coached the US to the 1999 World Cup title before an overflow Rose Bowl crowd in a landmark for women’s soccer, has died at 68.

He died on Monday at his home in Wethersfield, Connecticut, with his family present, son Anthony DiCicco said Tuesday on Twitter. No cause was given, although his family said he battled health issues in recent months.

DiCicco became the US coach in 1994 and led the team to the gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Games, the first Olympics to feature women’s soccer.

He then guided a team filled with superstars women’s sports trailblazers to the ‘99 World Cup crown.

Published in Dawn, June 22nd, 2017