The United States Soccer Federation has appointed Steve Cherundolo to lead the country’s Under-23 men’s team at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The announcement places the former LAFC manager in charge of the squad as the hosts prepare for the 12-team tournament.
Cherundolo, 47, enjoyed a decorated spell with Los Angeles FC between 2022 and 2025. During his tenure, the Southern California native guided the club to an MLS Cup triumph, a Supporters’ Shield and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. His overall record with the Black and Gold stood at 106 wins, 55 losses and 32 draws. He also steered LAFC to the 2023 MLS Cup final, where they fell to Columbus Crew, and secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA Club World Cup by defeating Mexican giants Club América.
Olympic Format and Home Advantage
The 2028 edition marks a significant opportunity for the Americans, who automatically qualified as tournament hosts. The competition will feature 12 nations, reduced from the 16 that competed at Paris 2024. Each squad may include up to three overage players, offering flexibility to blend experience with emerging talent.
The appointment follows the U-23 side’s quarter-final exit at the Paris Games, which ended a streak of four consecutive Olympic tournaments where the United States had failed to qualify. The nation’s best finish remains the fourth place achieved in 2000 under Clive Charlies, who coached Cherundolo during his college years at the University of Portland.
Development Focus
Dan Helfrich, U.S. Soccer’s chief operating officer, highlighted Cherundolo’s credentials in the official announcement. “Steve Cherundolo has been a proven winner, an elite talent developer, and a great ambassador for American soccer,” Helfrich stated. He added that the 2028 Olympics offer “a critical platform to develop our next generation of players” and engage supporters in pursuit of a medal on home soil.
While no overage selections have been confirmed, speculation suggests senior national team regulars such as Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams or Chris Richards could potentially feature. The federation hopes the reduced field and familiar conditions will improve prospects of securing a first men’s football medal since the 1904 Games.