The United States Soccer Federation announced Thursday the appointment of former international Steve Cherundolo as head coach of the U.S. Under-23 national team, which is preparing to participate in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Cherundolo begins a new phase in his coaching career following his success with Los Angeles FC, which he led to the MLS Cup title in 2022, along with his previous experience coaching youth teams in Germany.

The 46-year-old coach boasts a distinguished international career, having played 87 matches for the U.S. national team and participated in three World Cups before transitioning to coaching after retirement.

Eyes on the 2028 Olympics

The U.S. Soccer Federation hopes to build a team capable of competing on home soil, after the squad reached the quarterfinals at the Paris 2024 Olympics, its first Olympic appearance since the Beijing 2008 Games.

The U.S. team has secured its participation in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics as the host nation, which gives the new coaching staff ample time to prepare a squad capable of competing for medals.

Cherundolo: We Have a Promising Group

Cherundolo expressed his delight in taking on the role, affirming his confidence in the current generation of players.

In an official statement, he said: "We have a special group of players with great potential, and I look forward to providing the right environment to help them develop, work together, and represent the United States in the best possible way."