US Soccer has named Steve Cherundolo as head coach of the U.S. under-23s, charging the former USMNT stalwart and ex-LAFC manager with rebuilding the Olympic pipeline ahead of Los Angeles 2028. The appointment arrives after a disappointing senior World Cup exit and amid ongoing talks over Mauricio Pochettino’s short-term contract, signalling a renewed emphasis on youth development and national identity.
Steve Cherundolo appointed U.S. under-23 head coach
Steve Cherundolo, a 47-year-old former U.S. international, will take charge of the U.S. U23 program with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics squarely in sight.
US Soccer framed the hire as a long-term investment in the pathway between youth and the senior team, giving Cherundolo the remit to shape a squad that can compete for Olympic medals on home soil.
Immediate context: senior team turbulence and timing
The hiring comes on the heels of a chastening 2026 World Cup exit — the senior team bowed out in the Round of 16 — and while Mauricio Pochettino’s short-term contract remains under review. That backdrop makes the U23 appointment more than routine staffing: it’s a corrective step aimed at shoring up the talent pipeline and restoring momentum after recent setbacks.
What Cherundolo brings to the role
Cherundolo was a dependable right-back for the U.S., earning 87 caps and starting at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups while plying his club trade in Germany. His coaching résumé includes a season with Las Vegas Lights and a subsequent role at Los Angeles FC, where he delivered domestic success shortly after taking over.
Cherundolo combines elite-level playing experience with growing managerial credentials — a profile that fits a developmental project requiring both credibility and coaching acumen.
Cherundolo’s stated priorities
Cherundolo framed his brief in classic team-first language: “Representing the United States at the Olympic Games is one of the greatest honors in sports... I believe we have an exciting group of players with tremendous potential.” He emphasised building an environment of courage, humility and a clear identity — a message that signals an emphasis on tactical clarity and cultural cohesion as much as on individual talent.
Current U23 status and key players
The U23s enter Cherundolo’s tenure with mixed form. They lost their most recent friendly 1-0 to Uzbekistan U23 and failed to qualify for recent Olympics, with the program missing 2012, 2016 and the Tokyo Games. Core young players to watch include Ezavier Gozo, Darren Yapi, Niko Tsakiris and Noah Cobb — prospects who will form the nucleus for evaluation and development over the next two years.
Olympic history and the challenge ahead
The U.S. Olympic men’s program has limited recent pedigree — a single semifinal appearance in 2000 remains the best run. The 2024 Olympic side fell 4-0 to eventual winners Morocco in the quarterfinals, despite including experienced over-age defenders like Walker Zimmerman and Miles Robinson. Cherundolo must convert promising youth into consistent tournament performers against seasoned international peers.
What this hire means for U.S. Soccer
Prioritising a coach with strong U.S. ties and a defensive-minded playing background signals a pragmatic approach: build a coherent playing identity from the back, fast-track top prospects, and ensure alignment with the senior team’s tactical framework. With Pochettino’s future unresolved, success at the U23 level will be an increasingly visible measure of the federation’s broader development strategy.
Likely next steps and measures of success
Short-term, Cherundolo will assemble squads for friendlies and regional qualifiers, assess the talent pool, and define a playing philosophy. Success will be judged on competitive progress, clearer pathways into the senior team, and evidence of improved cohesion by the 2028 Olympics. Long-term, the appointment could be a blueprint for syncing youth development with senior ambitions — if the federation provides resources and consistent support.
Bottom line
Steve Cherundolo’s hiring is a calculated, sensible move that addresses an obvious gap: a robust, identity-driven U23 program ahead of a home Olympics.
Haaland's brace stuns Brazil and prompts Rooney to 'row' as Norway reach World Cup quarterfinals
The appointment won’t solve senior-team problems overnight, but it places a trusted figure in charge of a crucial bridge between youth potential and international achievement — a test both for Cherundolo and for U.S. Soccer’s commitment to development.
The Mirror Us
