CHICAGO (Sept. 6, 2023) -- As part of U.S. Soccer’s focus on developing world class players and winning teams, Sporting Director Matt Crocker has appointed Marko Mitrović as the new head coach of the U.S. Under-23 Men’s Youth National Team. Mitrović takes charge of the U-23s after a year-and-a-half in charge of the U.S. U-19 MYNT and will lead the USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, which will be the first appearance for the U.S. U-23 MYNT in the Olympic Games since Beijing 2008
Michael Nsien has been appointed as the new head coach of the U.S. Under-19 Men’s Youth National Team. He joined U.S. Soccer in November of 2022 as U-16 MYNT head coach.
“We couldn't be more excited to have Marko and Michael continue to be an important part of our men’s program as both of these teams serve as crucial steps in the National Team pathway,” said Crocker. “During his time with the Under-19s, Marko was instrumental in guiding our rising talents and we’re looking forward to him now leading our Under-23 Men’s National Team as this age group provides these players with an incredible opportunity to continue their development by facing elite opposition on the world stage and competing for an Olympic world title. We’re also confident that Michael is ready to lead our U-19 age group, a critical level for our young players aiming to take the next step in their careers for club and country.”
Mitrović will hold his first training camp as U-23 MYNT head coach during the October international window.
In addition to his duties as U-19 MYNT head coach, he served as an assistant to interim USMNT head coaches Anthony Hudson and B.J. Callaghan from April-July of this year, helping the U.S. win the 2022-23 Concacaf Nations League title in dominant fashion. He compiled a 6-0-0 international record with the U-19s, including victories against England, Croatia and Norway while overseeing six training camps since taking over in April 2022.
“It’s been an honor working for U.S. Soccer and I’m tremendously proud of the opportunity to lead the USA at the Olympics,” said Mitrović. “I’ve gotten to see first-hand the high-potential players rising through our development system and I’m excited for them to represent their country proudly on such an important stage. The Olympics will be a special platform for our players and I can’t wait to continue the preparations.”
Mitrović holds a UEFA Pro License. Prior to joining U.S. Soccer, he served as the first assistant for Serbia when it won the 2015 FIFA Under-20 World Cup and also spent four years as an assistant with Chicago Fire FC. The Serbian-American also worked as an assistant at Reading in the English Championship.
As a coach in Serbia’s youth national team program, Mitrović helped launch the careers of several young Serbian players, boosting them to the senior national team and top clubs across Europe. Following his success with Serbia, Mitrović joined the Fire as an assistant from 2016-2019. During his tenure, the Fire returned to the MLS Cup Playoffs in 2017 following a five-year drought and consecutive last-place league finishes.
Nsien has led the U-16 MYNT since November 2022, holding three training camps and guiding the squad to a 4-1-1 international record with wins against England, Japan, Nigeria and Wales. He also served as an assistant for interim USMNT head coach B.J. Callaghan during the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup.
In addition to his role as U-19 MYNT head coach, Nsien will lead the U.S. Men’s PanAmerican Team at the 2023 PanAmerican Games from Oct. 27-Nov. 4 in Chile. Players born on or after Jan. 1, 2001 are age-eligible for the competition as well as the 2024 Olympics.
“Working for U.S. Soccer and helping to grow the game in this country has been an incredible opportunity,” Nsien said. “I’m excited to move up to the U-19 MYNT to continue helping young players reach their full potential. We have a deep, talented pool of players in this country and I’m excited to help them put on a strong performance at the upcoming PanAmerican Games.”
Nsien holds a U.S. Soccer Pro License and UEFA “A” License. Before joining the Federation, he spent four seasons in charge of hometown club FC Tulsa in the USL Championship, where he led the team to the most successful period in its history. After some early struggles in his first two seasons in charge, Nsien led Tulsa to its two banner years in 2020 and 2021, reaching the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time ever and the first time overall since 2017.
A native Oklahoman, Nsien rose through the coaching ranks in his hometown of Tulsa. Prior to joining the USL club, he enjoyed a decorated youth coaching career with Tulsa Soccer Club. As Youth Academy Boys Director and Elite Team coach, Nsien won eight state championships from 2010-18, while helping more than 100 players go on to play college soccer. During his work as a coach/scout in the Olympic Development Program, Nsien identified players for Youth National Team selection, MLS academies and European tours, working with a number of individuals that have gone on to successful professional careers.
