Tom Sermanni (pictured) was relieved of his duties as head coach of the U.S. women's national team on April 6, 2014. (Photo: Brad Smith/isiphotos.com)

CHICAGO -- U.S. Soccer announced Sunday evening that women’s national team head coach Tom Sermanni has been relieved of his duties with immediate effect.

Shortly before the news was made public, the 59-year-old had guided the squad to a 2-0 win over China in an international friendly in Commerce City, Colorado.

U.S. Soccer Director of Development Jill Ellis will replace him on an interim basis, starting with the second match of a two-game series against China on Thursday in San Diego.

"We want to thank Tom for his service over the past year and half, but we felt that we needed to go in a different direction at this time," said U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati.  "We will begin looking for a new coach immediately to guide our Women's National Team toward qualifying for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup."

Sermanni leaves with a record of 17 wins, 4 draws and 2 losses.  Those two defeats came against Sweden (1-0) and Denmark (5-3) at last month’s Algarve Cup in Portugal.

"I'm disappointed that things didn't work out, but I'd like to thank U.S. Soccer for the opportunity to have coached this team and also the staff and players for all their hard work," said Sermanni.

Ellis previously served as interim head coach for seven matches at the end of 2012, going 5-2-0 prior to Sermanni’s hiring.