U.S. Soccer has announced that former U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) player Oguchi Onyewu has been named Vice President of Sporting. Onyewu, who played for the USMNT for over a decade, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role.
Onyewu, born in Washington D.C., made his debut for the USMNT in 2004 and went on to earn 69 caps for his country. He was part of the 2006 and 2010 World Cup squads and also played in the 2009 Confederations Cup. Onyewu played for a number of professional clubs around the world, including Standard Liege, AC Milan, and Newcastle United.
As Vice President of Sporting, Onyewu will work closely with the USMNT and U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) coaches, as well as the Youth National Teams and the Development Academy. He will also be involved in overseeing the technical aspects of the game, including the implementation of the U.S. Soccer Player Development Initiatives.
In a press release, U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone praised Onyewu’s appointment, saying that he “brings a unique perspective and deep passion for the sport to our Federation.” She added that Onyewu’s “experience as both a player and a leader will be invaluable as we continue to build and strengthen all levels of soccer in this country.”
Onyewu, meanwhile, said that he was excited about the opportunity to work with U.S. Soccer in this new role. “It is an honor to take on the role of Vice President of Sporting and to continue to work towards the development of soccer in this country,” he said. “I look forward to working with the talented individuals at U.S. Soccer and helping to shape the future of the sport in the United States.”
The appointment of Onyewu is a promising move for U.S. Soccer, particularly as the sport continues to grow and develop in the country. With his vast experience and knowledge of the game, he is well-suited to help guide the federation in its goals of developing players and growing the sport at all levels. His appointment also sends a positive message to young players, showing them that there are opportunities to stay involved in soccer after their playing days are over.
