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Steve Cherundolo (born February 19, 1979 in Rockford, Illinois) is an American soccer player, who currently plays defender for Hannover 96 of the 1. Bundesliga.
Before joining Hannover, Cherundolo played two years of college soccer at the University of Portland, from 1997 to 1998. In his freshman season, he was named the West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year.
Cherundolo joined Hannover, then playing in the 2. Bundesliga, for end the 1998-9 season, and quickly received first-team action, playing in four games his first year. Coming into the 1999-2000 season Cherundolo established himself at the right back position, starting consistently before suffering a terrible knee injury that kept him out of the end of the season, and ended his chances of playing for the U.S. Olympic team. Cherundolo continued to establish his place in the team in the 2000-1 season, earning playing time in 18 games, including 10 starts. In the 2001-2 season, he really established himself, starting 30 of 34 games for the team, as he helped the team gain promotion to the 1. Bundesliga. Cherundolo maintained his position in the 2002-3 season, starting 33 games for the team, while collecting 3 assists. In the 2003-4 season, Cherundolo continued his consistent play, appearing in 33 games for the club.
Cherundolo has parleyed his role in the Bundesliga to a role with the United States national team, although he has not received as much time as one might expect for one of the nation's most consistent overseas performers. Since making his debut against Jamaica on September 8, 1999, Cherundolo has received 20 caps with the national team; although he was on the team's roster for the 2002 World Cup (a late injury replacement for Chris Armas), Cherundolo received no playing time.
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