Former NI striker sacked as coach of Dallas

Former Northern Ireland striker Colin Clarke has been sacked as coach of FC Dallas after a second straight post-season failure.

FC Dallas gained the Western Conference’s top seed in the play-offs after winning 16 of their 32 matches during the regular season.

But for the second year in succession, they were upset by Colorado in the opening round of the play-offs.

“This team has one of the most talented rosters,” FC Dallas general manager Michael Hitchcock said.

“We underachieved and we didn’t reach our potential. A change is necessary to take that next step.”

Named interim coach in 2003 before taking over on a permanent basis the following year, Clarke posted an overall record of 41 wins from 100 games.

Former Arsenal midfielder Steve Morrow has taken charge on a caretaker basis.