LAFC sign head coach Cherundolo to contract extension

LOS ANGELES : LAFC have signed head coach Steve Cherundolo to a multi-year contract extension after he led the team to an MLS Cup triumph in his first season with the club and to the final this year.

Cherundolo, 44, also helmed the black and gold to the final of the CONCACAF Champions League this year in a season where he coached an MLS record 53 matches in all competitions.

His staff of assistant coaches Ante Razov, Marc dos Santos and Oka Nikolov will also return next year after signing contract extensions.

"I am excited to continue our journey together after two emotional, invigorating and successful years," Cherundolo said in a press release.

"I am proud and grateful to share the sideline again with an incredible coaching staff.

"I would also like to thank (general manager) John (Thorrington), his staff and the owners for their tireless work and support for our team. Together with our phenomenal fans, we remain hungry and prepared for more."

LAFC did not disclose the length or terms of the contract extension.

Cherundolo owns a 35-19-14 record in the MLS regular season, and a 6-1-1 record in the MLS Cup playoffs.

The San Diego native played for 15 years in Germany's Bundesliga league and made 87 appearances for the U.S. national team. The defender was named to three World Cup rosters (2002, 2006, 2010) and was inducted into the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame in 2021.

Cherundolo and LAFC will look to return to the MLS Cup for a third straight year when they host the Seattle Sounders in their season opener on Feb. 24.