Steve Cherundolo appointed U.S. U-23 coach for 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles

The U.S. Soccer Federation has appointed Steve Cherundolo as the head coach of the U.S. U-23 national team, which will compete in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Cherundolo, a former U.S. international and MLS Cup-winning coach, expressed gratitude for the opportunity and emphasized his excitement about leading a talented group of young players.

Cherundolo's Coaching Experience

At 47 years old, Cherundolo is a seasoned figure in soccer, having played in three World Cups and earning a place in the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame. His coaching career began in 2014, following his retirement from professional play. He initially worked with youth teams at Hannover 96 before serving as an assistant coach at Vfb Stuttgart and the U.S. Men's National Team.

His first head coaching role was with the Las Vegas Lights in the USL Championship in 2021. Cherundolo quickly made a name for himself, leading LAFC to an impressive Supporters Shield and MLS Cup double in his inaugural season as head coach. He also secured a U.S. Open Cup title in 2024, boasting an overall record of 106-55-32 with the club.

Plans for the U-23 Team

Cherundolo's first task as the U-23 coach will be to identify and develop talent through upcoming camps at the new U.S. Soccer National Training Center in Fayetteville, Georgia. The U.S. has already qualified for the Olympics as the host nation, and Cherundolo aims to build a team that embodies the values of U.S. Soccer.

“Representing the United States at the Olympic Games is one of the greatest honors in sports,” Cherundolo stated. “I believe we have an exciting group of players with tremendous potential, and I'm looking forward to building an environment where they can challenge themselves, grow together, and represent our country with pride.”

Support from U.S. Soccer Leadership

U.S. Soccer Federation chief operating officer Dan Helfrich praised Cherundolo's track record as a winner and a developer of talent. “The 2028 Olympics present a critical platform to develop our next generation of players and further engage our passionate fan base as we pursue an Olympic medal at home,” Helfrich said.

Moreover, Oguchi Onyewu, U.S. Soccer’s vice president of sporting, emphasized Cherundolo's unique understanding of both American and European styles of play, which will aid in maximizing the players’ potential. “Having played alongside Steve in two World Cups, I have seen firsthand the impact he can have on the group,” Onyewu noted.