The U.S. took its first step towards 2030 on Thursday when the U.S. Soccer Federation appointed Steve Cherundolo as head coach of the United States Under-23 National Team ahead of the nation’s run in the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

"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 joins the Under-23s with vast experience at the playing and coaching levels. The San Diego native earned 87 caps for the United States from 1999 through 2012. His time with the U.S saw the defender make three World Cup rosters and help secure the 2005 Gold Cup title. Away from the National Team, Cherundolo spent a staggering 15 seasons at German Bundesliga side Hanover 96, where he became the longest-serving American player in Bundesliga history after making 415 appearances and helped secure the 2001-02 2. Bundesliga title.

Following his playing career, Cherundolo began coaching with Hanover as he progressed through the youth level. Following his departure from Hanover, Cherundolo had brief stints as an Assistant Manager with Stuttgart and Germany’s Under-15 side. Cherundolo returned stateside on March 12 2021, as he became the manager of USL Championship side Las Vegas Lights FC. His one year in Vegas ended with a 6-3-23 record. Steve Cherundolo ascended to MLS on January 3, 2022, after a partnership between Las Vegas and Los Angeles FC led to the San Diego native becoming the second coach in LAFC history.

Cherundolo’s tenure with LAFC was a historic one, and it began right out of the gate. 2022 saw LAFC finish the year with a 21-9-4 record, which saw LAFC win the Supporters’ Shield title and marked the most regular-season wins by a coach in their debut season. Success continued in the postseason as LAFC went on to secure its first MLS Cup title.

Cherundolo went on to win the U.S. Open Cup title in 2024 before his tenure with the club ended following the 2025 MLS season. Cherundolo’s time with LA saw him amass a 106-55-32 record.