Arena resigns days after USMNT fails to qualify for World Cup

Changes are coming to U.S. Soccer.

Still stinging from the reality of missing the 2018 World Cup, a remorseful Bruce Arena announced his resignation as head coach of the United States men's national team Friday.

A humiliating 2-1 defeat to the already eliminated Trinidad & Tobago crushed American dreams and sparked outrage from former players and supporters alike.

Arena, who took over as coach after Jurgen Klinsmann's dismissal in November 2016, took the blame in a written statement.

"Everyone involved in the program gave everything they had for the last 11 months, and, in the end, we came up short. No excuses. We didn't get the job done, and I accept responsibility," the 66-year-old added.

Arena helped the U.S. go unbeaten in his first 14 matches in charge and led his team to Gold Cup glory in July.

The mood shifted after a 2-0 loss to Costa Rica in New York left the USMNT in a dogfight for an automatic World Cup berth.

A convincing 4-0 victory over Panama last week seemed to allay fears of missing out on the quadrennial tournament for the first time since 1986.

But only a few days later, tragedy in Trinidad struck, and wins by Panama and Honduras condemned the U.S. to misery.

Sunil Gulati, the president of U.S. Soccer, said in a conference call he won't step down despite growing angst among fans and members of the media. He also wouldn't say whether he'll run in next February's election.

Gulati, who's held the position for 12 years, ran the previous two elections unopposed.

While Arena admitted the failure to qualify is a "major setback," he still has confidence in the program's ability to rebuild and eventually challenge the soccer elite.

"I believe in the American player and the American coach, and with our combined efforts the future remains bright," he said.

Arena previously managed the USMNT from 1998-2006, leading his country to a best-ever quarterfinal finish in the 2002 World Cup.