In a surprising turn of events, LAFC manager Steve Cherundolo will step down from his post after the 2025 MLS season, the club announced on Friday.
“It is an honor to be the head coach of LAFC,” Cherundolo said in a press release. “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.”
After being hired in January of 2022 as Bob Bradley’s replacement and just the second head coach in LAFC history, Cherundolo became the only coach in league history to win both the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup in his first season as an MLS manager.
Following a successful 2022 season, LAFC reached the final of the Concacaf Champions League and participated in MLS Cup in 2023. They finished 2024 as the top seed in the Western Conference and won the U.S. Open Cup. Along the way, Cherundolo became the seventh-fastest MLS coach to reach 50 regular-season wins.
"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.”
