US women to play China in December

The US women's team will play three exhibitions against China in an eight-day span next month, with new coach Tom Sermanni watching as an observer.

The Americans said Monday they will play China at Detroit's Ford Field on Dec 8, at Houston's BBVA Compass Stadium on Dec 12 and at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, Fla., on Dec 15.

In hiring Sermanni last week to replace Pia Sundhage, the U.S. Soccer Federation said Jill Ellis will continue as interim coach for the final five games this year, including matches against Ireland on Nov. 28 in Portland, Ore., and on Dec 1 in Glendale, Ariz. Sermanni takes over the US team on Jan 1.

Originally from Glasgow, Scotland, Sermanni has coached Australia for eight years and will lead that nation in the East Asian Cup qualifying from Nov 20-24 at Shenzen, China.