Steve Cherundolo, a three‑time World Cup veteran and former MLS Cup‑winning coach, has been named head coach of the United States Under‑23 men’s national team as they gear up for the 2028 Summer Olympics.
A Coach With Proven Pedigree
During a 15‑year stint in the German Bundesliga with Hannover 96, Cherundolo made 415 appearances before returning to the States to guide Los Angeles FC to the 2022 MLS Cup, the 2022 Supporters' Shield and the 2024 U.S. Open Cup. His playing résumé includes 87 caps for the senior U.S. side, a starting role at right back in the 2010 World Cup that helped the team reach the Round of 16, and a key contribution to the 2005 Concacaf Gold Cup triumph. He was later honored with a place on the USMNT All‑Time Best XI and inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2021.
Building an Olympic Pipeline
Cherundolo will oversee identification camps and daily training at the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center in Fayetteville, Georgia. The program aims to blend the experience of veterans such as Dan Helfrich and Oguchi Onyewu with emerging talent, creating a squad capable of competing on the Olympic stage. U.S. Soccer Federation president Cindy Parlow Cone praised the appointment, citing Cherundolo’s “deep understanding of the game and his proven leadership.”
Looking Ahead
The upcoming Olympic cycle presents a unique opportunity to reshape the U‑23 landscape, and Cherundolo’s appointment reflects a strategic push to develop a competitive, home‑grown side. With the support of the National Soccer Hall of Fame and the infrastructure of the National Training Center, the coach hopes to translate his Bundesliga experience and MLS success into a cohesive Olympic roster that can challenge the world’s best.