Steve Cherundolo is set to return to the United States to assume the head coaching role for the men's under-23 national team participating in the 2028 Summer Olympics, hosted in Los Angeles. This move marks his comeback to the American soccer scene after a period spent overseas.
Cherundolo, aged 47, previously stepped down from his position as head coach of Los Angeles FC in 2025, with intentions of relocating to Germany, where he had a distinguished 15-season career with Hannover 96 in the German Bundesliga and met his wife. His tenure abroad was brief, lasting less than a year before this new opportunity arose. Expressing his enthusiasm, Cherundolo stated, "Representing the United States at the Olympic Games is among the highest honors in sports, and I am deeply grateful for this chance to guide the team. I believe we possess a talented group of players with immense potential, and I am eager to cultivate an environment that fosters growth, challenges them, and enables them to proudly represent our country." During his playing career, Cherundolo also earned 87 caps for the United States men's national team between 1999 and 2012, including appearances in two World Cups. He debuted in the 2006 tournament held in Germany and participated in all four matches for the U.S. during the 2010 event in South Africa. His coaching journey began in 2015 in Germany, leading to his appointment as head coach of the Las Vegas Lights in the USL Championship in 2021, and subsequently at LAFC in 2022, where he achieved a commendable 106-55-32 record over three seasons, securing the Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup in 2022, followed by the U.S. Open Cup in 2024.
U.S. Soccer COO Dan Helfrich highlighted the significance of the 2028 Olympics as a crucial platform for player development and fan engagement, underscoring the ambition to win an Olympic medal on home soil. Helfrich emphasized that Cherundolo's leadership will be vital in forming a team that truly embodies U.S. Soccer's values, and he will collaborate closely with coaches from both senior and youth national teams to advance the sport collectively. The Olympic soccer tournament features 16 teams, primarily composed of players under 23 years old, with each roster permitted to include three players without age restrictions.
This appointment underscores a commitment to fostering future generations of American soccer talent and achieving excellence on the world stage. Cherundolo's rich experience as both a player and coach positions him uniquely to inspire and lead these young athletes, instilling in them the pride and determination necessary to succeed. His return symbolizes a renewed focus on national team development, promising an exciting chapter for U.S. soccer.
