U.S. Soccer names Steve Cherundolo to lead men's team at 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

Three days after a disappointing World Cup exit, U.S. Soccer has appointed former LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo to manage the Under-23 men’s squad at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The federation announced the hire on Thursday, with Cherundolo tasked with delivering a medal on home soil.

Cherundolo, 47, brings a strong coaching pedigree to the role. The Southern California native led LAFC from 2022 to 2025, compiling a 106-55-32 record and winning an MLS Cup, a Supporters’ Shield, and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. He also guided the club to the 2026 FIFA Club World Cup by defeating Mexican side Club América, and reached the 2023 MLS Cup final before losing to the Columbus Crew.

As a player, Cherundolo represented the United States at three World Cups during a club career spent entirely in Germany, making him one of the more decorated American footballers of his generation.

“Steve Cherundolo has been a proven winner, an elite talent developer, and a great ambassador for American soccer,” said U.S. Soccer COO Dan Helfrich, who led the federation’s coaching search.

The appointment carries personal resonance: the Americans’ best-ever Olympic finish came in 2000 under the late Clive Charles — Cherundolo’s college coach at the University of Portland.

The U.S. Under-23s showed recent progress at Paris 2024, reaching the quarterfinals after failing to qualify for the previous four men’s Olympic tournaments. As host nation, the United States automatically qualifies for the 2028 edition, which will feature just 12 teams, reduced from 16 at Paris.

Although the tournament is restricted to Under-23 players, each squad is permitted up to three overage selections. With the Games taking place in Los Angeles, there is hope that established senior internationals such as Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, or Chris Richards could be persuaded to participate.

“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.