With just two months to go before the World Cup kicks off US Soccer announced the departure of Sporting Director Matt Crocker. The move certainly comes as a surprise as the most important matches for the USMNT approach. For now, his duties will be spread across COO Dan Helfrich overseeing sporting operations with Assistant Sporting Director Oguchi Onyewu and Head of Development for the Women’s Youth National Team Tracey Kevins.
JT Batson, U.S. Soccer CEO and Secretary General noted, “Matt helped guide
important steps across our sporting organization, and we’re grateful for his contributions. We’re confident in our strategy, leadership team, coaches, and technical staff. We will continue building the right structure for the future, and we’re well positioned to make the decisions needed in the short, medium, and long term.”
In a story on the US Soccer website, Crocker said, “It has been a privilege to be part of U.S. Soccer during such an important period for the sport in this country.” He went on to mention, “I’m grateful for the people I’ve had the opportunity to work with across the Federation, from our coaches and players to our technical and administrative staff. I’m proud of what’s been built together and confident the team in place will continue to move the game forward and drive success on and off the field.”
Crocker left the role to take a similar role with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation according to Fox Sports. The Welshman joins the SAFF ahead of the nation hosting the AFC Asian Cup next year with the 2034 World Cup a longer term project.
