Hudson leaves USMNT on eve of summer tournaments

B.J. Callaghan will step in as the team’s second interim head coach this year

U.S. Soccer has announced that interim U.S. men’s national team head coach Anthony Hudson has left the team for a “new opportunity.”

In Hudson’s place, assistant coach B.J. Callaghan has been elevated to head coach for the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup.

“B.J. has been an integral part of the USMNT staff during the last four years as this young team has grown and developed,” U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker said in a news release.

“Working alongside Anthony Hudson these last five months, we are confident he is prepared and ready to lead this group in the summer tournaments. We are grateful to Anthony for the tremendous job he did and wish him success in the future.”

Hudson coached the U.S. U-20s and served as a USMNT assistant before being appointed interim head coach this year after Gregg Berhalter’s contract expired. With Callaghan in place as the team’s second interim this year, the search for a permanent head coach will continue.

Hudson’s time as USMNT coach was highlighted by the capture of two prized dual nationals in Alex Zendejas and Folarin Balogun.

“I would like to thank U.S. Soccer for the opportunity to be part of such a great team of players and staff,” Hudson said. “It’s been an honor to represent the national team and one that I have truly valued and enjoyed. The group is in good hands with B.J., and I’m excited to watch and support the team as it continues to grow and reach the heights we all know they are capable of.”

Callaghan, who joined U.S. Soccer in 2019, is currently the longest-serving member of the USMNT technical staff. He initially served as the team’s strategy analyst before being promoted to assistant coach.

“I understand the responsibility of the job and am honored to have the opportunity to build upon the progress this group has made the last four years,” Callaghan said. “Together, we have built a strong culture and a great understanding of how we want to play, and we expect to continue to build on that progress. Our goal is clear: defend both of our CONCACAF titles.”

The USMNT will face Mexico on June 15 in the Nations League semifinal, with the final scheduled for three days later. The U.S. will then kick off the 2023 Gold Cup against Jamaica on June 24.

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