U.S. Soccer Federation Announces Departure of Sporting Director Matt Crocker
COO Dan Helfrich, Assistant Sporting Director Oguchi “Gooch” Onyewu and Head of Development WYNT Tracey Kevins to guide sporting operations
ATLANTA , GA (April 14, 2026) – The U.S. Soccer Federation today announced that Sporting Director Matt Crocker will depart the organization to pursue another opportunity in international soccer. Chief Operating Officer Dan Helfrich will provide executive oversight and support across the Federation’s sporting operations, working closely with Assistant Sporting Director Oguchi “Gooch” Onyewu, and Head of Development for the Women’s Youth National Team Tracey Kevins and the broader sporting leadership team, ensuring continuity.
“Over the past several years, U.S. Soccer has grown significantly across every part of our sporting organization, and we thank Matt for the role he played in that progress,” said JT Batson, U.S. Soccer CEO and Secretary General. “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.”
"It has been a privilege to be part of U.S. Soccer during such an important period for the sport in this country,” said Crocker. “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.”
In recent years, U.S. Soccer has strengthened its sporting department to support the performance of its 27 National Teams and advance the game at all levels across the country. This includes the U.S. Way playing philosophy and sporting vision, and Pathways Strategy for player development – well-established systems that will continue to be led and executed by U.S. Soccer’s sporting and technical staff, with continuity across leadership and day-to-day operations already in place.
World Cup preparations for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup and 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup continue under head coaches Mauricio Pochettino and Emma Hayes, who maintain full authority over team performance and tournament preparation. Plans for the Men’s World Cup have been long established and will not see any adjustments as a result of this transition. Both coaches and their technical staff remain focused on their work, with full support from Federation leadership.
Ahead of the World Cup, and coming off its most successful financial year, the Federation is reinvesting record resources into the sport, supporting national teams, expanding access through Soccer Forward, and opening the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center in May, which will provide a home for the entire U.S. Soccer community, and accelerate player development for generations to come.
Helfrich, in coordination with U.S. Soccer’s sporting leadership, will continue to guide sporting operations and support the Federation’s strategy through the next competitive cycle. He will work closely with Batson and U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone on next steps, alongside head coaches Mauricio Pochettino and Emma Hayes, as the Federation continues to build on its established sporting structure. Crocker will work with the team to ensure a smooth transition.