Matt Crocker leaves US Soccer for Saudi FA role

News of Crocker’s exit came as a surprise, because US Soccer is on the cusp of one of its biggest years, with the opening of the new $228m National Training Centre in Fayette County, Georgia, and then  hosting the Men’s World Cup.

Appearing on the latest edition of the TGG Podcast last month, Crocker insisted that Men’s National Team Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino believed his side could go “all the way” in this summer’s tournament.

Announcing news of Crocker’s exit, US Soccer CEO and Secretary General JT Batson said: “Over the past several years, US Soccer has grown significantly across every part of our sporting organisation, and we thank Matt for the role he played in that progress. 

“Matt helped guide important steps across our sporting organisation, 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.”

Crocker added: “It has been a privilege to be part of US Soccer during such an important period for the sport in this country.

“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.”

US Soccer highlighted how the Welshman, who was previously Director of Football at Southampton and Head of Teams at the Football Association, had helped strengthen the Federation’s sporting department and “advance the game at all levels across the country.”

This advancement included the US Way playing philosophy and Pathways Strategy for player development – “well-established systems that will continue to be led and executed by US Soccer’s sporting and technical staff.”

Crocker was also responsible for appointing Pochettino and Emma Hayes as Head Coaches of the Men’s and Women’s National Teams. 

US Soccer said that Chief Operating Officer Dan Helfrich would “provide executive oversight and support across the Federation’s sporting operations” following Crocker’s exit. He will work closely with Assistant Sporting Director Oguchi ‘Gooch’ Onyewu and Tracey Kevins, Head of Development for the Women’s Youth National Team, as well as the broader sporting leadership team.

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation is due to announce Crocker’s appointment on Monday.