Canada Soccer accepts national coach Hart’s resignation

The Canadian Soccer Association has accepted the resignation of Canada’s national head coach Stephen Hart. The resignation was received on 18 October 2012 after the conclusion of Canada’s participation in 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Qualifiers.

“We would like to thank Stephen Hart for his contribution to the Canadian Soccer Association and Canada’s Men’s National Team Program,” said Victor Montagliani, President of the Canadian Soccer Association. “Mr. Hart has served as an exemplary model for the game at both the national and international levels. During his tenure with the association, he earned the respect of the Canadian soccer community and helped to raise the profile of the game in this country.”

Coach Hart leaves Canada’s national team with an all-time record of 20 wins, 10 draws and 15 losses in 45 international matches from 2006 to 2012. He ranks second in wins and first in win percentage amongst former Canadian coaches. In this cycle of FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, he posted seven wins, three draws and two losses in 12 matches over the past two years.

Hart’s team made a particular impression at home in Canada, posting six wins, four draws and one loss in 11 matches. With an unprecedented level of support from the home crowd, Canada established a national record nine-match unbeaten streak at home. Over the past two seasons, Hart’s team did not lose a home match in two rounds of FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Mr. Hart’s contributions as a coach in Canada extend more than a decade and include roles as an assistant and head coach with the national youth teams as well as the full national “A” team.