Steve Cherundolo, who last coached LAFC, was announced Thursday as as the new coach of the U.S. U-23 men’s national team, that will compete in the 2028 Summer Olympics.
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Cherundolo, who made 87 appearances during his national team career, was a member of three U.S. FIFA World Cup rosters (2002, 2006 and 2010). both the 2006 and 2010 U.S. FIFA World Cup teams.
“Throughout his career, Steve Cherundolo has been a proven winner, an elite talent developer, and a great ambassador for American soccer,” U.S. Soccer Federation Chief Operating Officer Dan Helfrich said in a statement. Helfrich also led the coaching search.
“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 added. “Steve’s leadership will be instrumental in building an Olympic team that proudly represents U.S. Soccer. And he will work closely with both our Senior and Youth National team coaches in growing the game together.”
Cherundolo spent his playing career in Germany with Hannover 96 (1999-2014). He returned to the U.S. for his first professional coaching job, leading the Las Vegas Lights of the USL Championship in 2021. The following year, he was hired as new coach at LAFC. He experienced immediate success, leading the way to the MLS Cup championship and Supporters Shield. He also won the U.S. Open Cup in 2024, before stepping down at the end of 2025 season.
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“Representing the United States at the Olympic Games is one of the greatest honors in sports, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead this team,” Cherundolo said in a statement. “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. Our responsibility is to compete with courage, humility, and a clear identity, one that reflects the values of U.S. Soccer and gives our supporters a team they can be proud of.”
Cherundolo was selected to the USMNT All-Time Best XI in 2013 and he was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2021.
U.S. Soccer’s Vice President of Sporting, Oguchi Onyewu, said, “We are confident he (Cherundolo) is the right coach to lead this team in the 2028 Summer Olympics.”
“Steve’s extensive coaching experience and having gone through the American youth soccer system gives him a unique understanding of American and European style of play that will allow him to maximize and nurture the players’ potential,” Onyewu said. “Having played alongside Steve in two World Cups, I have seen first-hand the impact he can have on the group.”
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