The U.S. Soccer Federation has appointed former national team player and MLS Cup champion Steve Celandro as the head coach of the U.S. Under-23 National Team. This team will represent the United States at the 2028 Summer Olympics.
At 47 years old, Cerundolo brings a wealth of experience, having competed in three World Cups and being honored as a member of the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame. His professional journey in club soccer includes 415 appearances for Hannover 96, making him the longest-serving American in Bundesliga history. Internationally, he has represented the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) in 87 matches.
Significant Career Highlights
Cerundolo was part of the U.S. squad that triumphed in the 2005 Concacaf Gold Cup. Upon his appointment, he expressed his deep appreciation for the opportunity to lead the U-23 team, stating that representing the United States in the Olympics is among the highest honors in sports.
He emphasized his excitement about working with a promising group of players, aiming to foster an environment conducive to growth and teamwork. Cerundolo stressed the importance of embodying the values of U.S. Soccer and ensuring the team competes with courage and humility.
Coaching Journey
Having hung up his boots in 2014, Cerundolo’s coaching career began with various youth teams in Hannover, later serving as an assistant coach at VfB Stuttgart and on the USMNT under interim coach Dave Sarachan. He also worked with the German U-15 national team.
His first head coaching role came in 2021 with the Las Vegas Lights in the USL Championship. After one season, he was promoted to manager of LAFC’s first team, where he made an immediate impact. In Cerundolo’s inaugural season, LAFC secured both the Supporters’ Shield and the MLS Cup. Under his leadership, the team also captured the U.S. Open Cup title in 2024, culminating in an overall record of 106 wins, 55 losses, and 32 draws before he retired after the 2025 season and relocated back to Germany with his family.
Support from U.S. Soccer Leadership
Dan Helfrich, chief operating officer of the U.S. Soccer Federation, commended Cerundolo for his proven track record as a winner, elite talent developer, and ambassador for U.S. Soccer. He remarked that the 2028 Olympics will be a pivotal opportunity to cultivate the next generation of athletes while engaging the ardent U.S. fan base, as the nation aims for Olympic glory.
Helfrich believes that Cerundolo’s expertise will be invaluable in shaping a competitive Olympic team and noted that he would collaborate closely with senior and youth national team coaches to advance the sport.
Upcoming Initiatives and Preparation
Cerundolo will soon lead a certification camp at the new U.S. Soccer National Training Center in Fayetteville, Georgia. Notably, the U.S. has automatically qualified for the Olympics due to its host nation status.
Oguchi Onyewu, vice president of sports for U.S. Soccer, remarked on Cerundolo’s extensive coaching experience within the U.S. youth soccer system, highlighting his unique understanding of both American and European play styles. This knowledge positions him to maximize the potential of the young athletes he will guide.
Onyewu, who played alongside Cerundolo in two World Cups, expressed confidence in Cerundolo’s leadership and the positive impact he is expected to have on the team leading up to the 2028 Summer Olympics.
