U.S. Soccer has announced that Oguchi Onyewu has been hired as the federation’s vice president of sporting.
The newly created role will see the ex-U.S. men’s national team defender take on a host of responsibilities as he reports to new sporting director Matt Crocker.
In a news release, U.S. Soccer said Onyewu will work closely with Crocker “in supporting all sporting initiatives within the federation,” and “will also play a prominent role in managing relationships with clubs and leagues in the United States and across the world, along with strengthening other stakeholder relationships.”
One of Onyewu’s first tasks will be assisting Crocker in the search for a new USMNT head coach.
“I am incredibly excited to take on this new challenge and work with Matt and the rest of the U.S. Soccer team to help shape the future of soccer in this country,” said Onyewu.
“As a former player, I understand firsthand the importance of investing in our youth and building a strong foundation for the future. I look forward to working with the men’s and women’s senior teams, youth national teams and extended national teams to help support and grow our talented pool of players and identify and develop the next generation.”
Onyewu earned 69 caps for the USMNT during his career, including appearances at the 2006 and 2010 World Cup. Since he’s retired, the 40-year-old became the sporting director for Orlando City B in 2018, and was then named secretary general of Belgian club Royal Excelsior Virton in 2020.
Onyewu was also on the Athletes Council of the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors before stepping down this past week to take his new position.
“We are thrilled to welcome Oguchi Onyewu to our team at U.S. Soccer,” said Crocker. “His experience as a player and sports executive, coupled with his deep understanding of U.S. Soccer, Oguchi will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our sporting initiatives. We all look forward to working closely with him.”
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