Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Pia Sundhage ended her tenure as coach of the U.S. women's soccer team on Saturday, less than a month after leading the team to gold at the 2012 Olympics.

Sundhage took over after the 2007 Women's World Cup, and led the United States to gold at the 2008 Olympics in China, second place at the 2011 World Cup, and gold in London this summer.

She ends her stay with an incredible 88-6-10 record, and with the squad ranked No. 1 in the world. Sundhage will return to her native Sweden to pursue other opportunities.

"Before I took this job, I always admired the spirit and character of the U.S. team, but to experience that first-hand on the training field and from the bench as their coach was truly special and something I will treasure for the rest of my life," Sundhage said. "Although it is time to move on, I'd like to thank U.S. Soccer for this wonderful opportunity and I wish this team and the players all the best in the future.

"It was an honor to be able to coach these players for five years."

During her tenure, the United States won 11 tournament titles. The Americans captured the Algarve Cup three times, won two Olympic qualifying tournaments, and two Olympic gold medals.

"After the Olympics we had discussions and early in the process it became clear that Pia was very interested in returning home to Sweden," said U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati.

"It certainly wasn't an easy decision for U.S. Soccer or Pia. She deserves a tremendous amount of credit for the amazing success the U.S. women's national team had during the past five years."

The United States begins its post-Olympic "Victory Tour" on Saturday against Costa Rica. Gulati said the search for a new coach would being immediately, but there was no timetable to find a replacement.

The Sports Network