USMNT
Who is Oguchi Onyewu, the USMNT’s new Vice President of Sporting?
The former player for the national team is now part of the decision making in US Soccer as the appointment is confirmed.
US Soccer’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup are picking up steam with the appointment of Oguchi Onyewu as the newly created role of Vice President of Sporting. The former USMNT defender will work closely with sporting director Matt Crocker, with the aim of creating a robust structure for American soccer.
USMNT player to executive: Oguchi Onyewu
Onyewu’s responsibilities will include collaborating with Crocker to make key decisions and initiatives within the Federation. One of the primary objectives is to appoint a new Team USA coach, a task that will be of utmost importance in the coming months. Additionally, Onyewu will work directly with the US Soccer Development Department to promote the growth of young soccer players and nurture the next generation of USMNT stars.
Crocker emphasized the value of Onyewu’s experience and expertise in the sport, which will be instrumental in helping the USMNT adjust to the new process leading up to the 2026 World Cup.
“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.”
Learn more about Oguchi Onyewu
Oguchi Onyewu, a former United States national team player who featured at the World Cup, is already known for his contribution to American soccer. Onyewu donned the Stars and Stripes jersey 69 times throughout his career, leaving his mark on the sport.
Onyewu’s success on the field is reflected in his accomplishments, which include three Concacaf Gold Cup titles (voted in the best Xi in the 2005 edition) and being named US Soccer Player of the Year in 2006. His impact on the game also extends to the club level, where he excelled playing for international giants such as Milan, Twente, Sporting, Málaga, Queens Park Rangers, Newcastle, and LA Galaxy in the MLS.
Onyewu’s skill set and towering presence on the pitch made him a dominant force in defense. He was a fearless tackler with exceptional aerial ability, which made him a formidable opponent for many a striker. Onyewu’s legacy as a top-class center-back is one that continues to inspire young Americans and raises the bar for the sport’s development in the United States.
He spoke about his new position.
“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.”
Is VP of Sporting a correct title?
When the announcement was made of Onyewu’s step up, a number of interested parties queried his title. Could ‘sporting’ really be used in this way? Would it not be more appropriate to call him Vice President of Sport or Sports Vice President, for example?
One Twitter follower pointed to the dictionary:
sport·ing adjective 1.connected with or interested in sports. “a major sporting event” 2.fair and generous in one’s behavior or treatment of others, especially in a game or contest. “it was not very sporting of Smith to hit Gonzales with that pitch”
Well, given that it’s a new role, I suppose those in charge can call him what they like, and we’ll just have to get used to it. Good luck to him!