Los Angeles FC (LAFC) coach Steve Cherundolo announced Friday that he will leave the club after the 2025 season.Cherundolo will remain at the helm through the completion of his fourth season.The move is driven by a desire to return to Germany, where the San Diego native spent his entire professional playing career.

A Storied Tenure: Trophies and Tactical Debates

Cherundolo’s time wiht LAFC has been marked by significant success, amassing a 58-31-21 record and securing three trophies. His impact was immediate, becoming the only coach in Major League Soccer (MLS) history to achieve the MLS Cup championship and the Supporters’ Shield in his inaugural season in 2022. The team also reached the finals of the CONCACAF Champions League and MLS Cup playoffs in 2023.Last season, LAFC clinched the U.S. Open Cup Championship, topped the Western Conference in the regular season, and reached the leagues Cup final.

Despite these achievements,Cherundolo has faced criticism from some fans regarding the team’s performance in crucial matches and perceived tactical inflexibility.

The Pull of Family and Germany

Cherundolo’s decision is deeply rooted in his family’s connection to Germany. His wife,Mandy,and their children are German,and he spent 16 years playing for Hannover. This long-standing tie has influenced their decision to return.

After much reflection and discussion with my family, we made the decision that at the end of this year we will return to Germany. I love Los Angeles and LAFC, but this move is in the best interest of my family, even as it will ultimately take us away from a team, city, organization and fan base that I am proud to represent. I am looking forward to continuing our work with the players, coaches and staff to make the 2025 season a success as we keep fighting to win trophies.
Steve Cherundolo

LAFC’s Perspective

Bennett Rosenthal, LAFC owner, acknowledged Cherundolo’s contributions and the club’s understanding of his family’s needs.

It has been a pleasure working with and building a strong relationship with Steve over these last few years and, I thank him for everything he has given to the club. Steve has built upon the foundation of the Black & Gold standard,and we wish him success with us for the rest of this season and in his future endeavors. we appreciate and respect Steve’s desire to move with his family at the end of this season.
Bennett Rosenthal, LAFC Owner

Current Season and Future Outlook

Following an upset loss to the Seattle Sounders in last fall’s MLS Cup conference semifinals, LAFC has had a slow start to the current season, with a 4-4-0 record, placing them seventh in the Western Conference. The club was also recently eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions Cup by Inter miami, who mounted a late comeback to secure the win.

Cherundolo is only the second coach in LAFC’s history, which began as an expansion franchise in 2018. Bob Bradley led the club in its first four seasons.