A Legacy Reborn
Steve Cherundolo, a University of Portland alumnus and 2022 Pilots Hall of Fame inductee, has been named head coach of the United States Under‑23 Men’s National Soccer Team ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics. The announcement, confirmed by U.S. Soccer, underscores the organization’s confidence in his tactical acumen and leadership pedigree.
Cherundolo’s playing résumé reads like a textbook of American soccer excellence. He starred for the Pilots in the late 1990s, earning West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year in 1997 and earning All‑WCC First Team honors in both 1997 and 1998. His collegiate success paved the way for a 15‑year professional stint that included 15 seasons in the German Bundesliga with Hannover 96 and regular appearances for the senior U.S. Men’s National Team.
After hanging his boots, Cherundolo transitioned to coaching, first in the youth academies of Germany before returning to the United States. He guided Las Vegas Lights to a championship‑laden 2021 season in the USL and later steered Los Angeles FC to a historic double in 2022, capturing the MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield, followed by a triumph in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2024.
Looking Ahead
The University of Portland has long been a crucible for Olympic‑caliber talent, having produced legends such as Tiffeny Milbrett, Christine Sinclair, Megan Rapinoe, and Kasey Keller, among others. Cherundolo’s ascent reflects the program’s enduring influence on both players and coaches who have left indelible marks on the global stage.
With the 2028 Games on the horizon, the U‑23 side will serve as a proving ground for emerging stars. Cherundolo’s mandate is clear: blend the technical rigor honed in Germany with the dynamic flair that defined his own career, while nurturing the next cohort of American soccer leaders.
Cherundolo has already outlined a vision that emphasizes player development, tactical versatility, and a commitment to elevating the competitive standards of the U‑23 program. As the roster begins to coalesce, anticipation builds among fans, alumni, and the broader soccer community.