Steve Cherundolo, the 47‑year‑old San Diego native who once patrolled the back line for the United States national team and now guides Los Angeles FC, has been named head coach of the U.S. men’s under‑23 side that will compete at the 2028 Olympic Games.
Cherundolo’s appointment comes as the United States prepares to host the Games, a role that grants the host nation an automatic berth in the Olympic soccer tournament and promises a showcase of home‑grown talent on home soil.
A Legacy Re‑examined
During a playing career that spanned more than a decade, Cherundolo earned 87 caps for the senior national team between 1999 and 2012. He set a Bundesliga record with 415 appearances for Hannover, a testament to durability and consistency that still stands as an American benchmark.
His coaching résumé includes a stint at LAFC from 2022 through 2025, during which he captured the MLS title and the US Open Cup in 2024. The following year, he was inducted into the US National Soccer Hall of Fame, cementing his status as one of the country’s most respected figures in the sport.
The under‑23 Olympic roster must be composed primarily of players under the age of 23, with three over‑age “wild‑card” exceptions permitted. This structure is designed to blend emerging prospects with a few seasoned heads, a balance Cherundolo is expected to navigate as he shapes a squad that will represent the United States on home turf.
Speculation is already swirling about the ripple effects of his new responsibilities on the senior national team. With current head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s future still unsettled, some analysts suggest Cherundolo could emerge as a candidate for an interim or permanent role, a prospect that adds an extra layer of intrigue to his Olympic assignment.
The tournament’s matches are slated for several U.S. cities, including Columbus, Ohio; Nashville, Tennessee; New York; Pasadena, California; St. Louis; San Diego; and San Jose, California. Each venue will bring its own atmosphere, but all will share the common goal of highlighting the nation’s growing soccer culture.
Beyond the immediate competition, Cherundolo’s leadership of the U‑23 side is viewed as a critical step in the U.S. Soccer Federation’s long‑term player development strategy, aligning youth pathways with the senior program’s ambitions.