Player Profile: (6) Steve Cherundolo

Born: 19th February, 1979

Hometown: San Diego, California

Height: a deceptively small 5′6″

Weight: 145 lbs

Caps: 33 (1 accidental gaol )

World Cups: 0.5 (was selected to replace Chris Armas for 2002, but got injured)

Clubs: Hannover (1999-present)

College: University of Portland

Positions: RB (unlike the rest of the US full-backs, this is Dolo’s first choice position. He loves to get forward and get a cross in, and Bruce loves that he does this too, but he’s 100% a right full back.) RM (seems like he’d do well at right mid, though I’ve never seen it.)

Highlights:

• Hanover promoted to Bundesliga 1 in 2002
• Selected by his Hanover team mates to be vice captain
• Part of 2005 Gold Cup winning team
• Finally scored for the US against Germany this year. It was mean as a pass but they all count, and technically it’s the best long range effort in US history.

Lowlights:

Injury prevented him getting involed in 2002 World Cup

According to US Soccer.com, he “lists Amsterdam as the favourite country he has visited.” I’m hoping this is a US Soccer clerical error.

Arena says:“Last summer he was arguably our best player in the Gold Cup. He was terrific. I’m anticipating that kind of form. He’s become an outstanding right back and this World Cup will be his stage to show the kind of player he is.”

Assessment: Only a little fella, but surprisingly strong and good in the air. Fast, positionally sound, and excellent going forward. I love his ability to overlap and cross either from deep or from the byline (like a less annoying Gary Neville). I agree with Arena that this World Cup will be a great stage for him, especially with him playing on familair soil.