Raphael Wicky steps down as U.S. U-17 Men’s National Team head coach

CHICAGO – Raphael Wicky will step down from his position as U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team head coach to assume the head coaching role at Major League Soccer (MLS) club Chicago Fire FC.

“I want to thank U.S. Soccer for the opportunity to lead the U-17 Men’s National Team this year,” Wicky said. “I’m grateful to the coaches and staff for their efforts and I would really like to thank the players for their hard work. I think their international experiences this year will help them reach new heights in their young careers.”

Wicky joined U.S. Soccer in March and guided the U-17 MNT to a record 17th FIFA U-17 World Cup qualification in May. The team battled Mexico to a hard-fought overtime loss in the Concacaf U-17 Championship Final.

“Rapha helped contribute to the international development of some of our brightest young prospects during his time as U-17 MNT head coach,” said U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Earnie Stewart. “We appreciate all of his work and look forward to seeing him in the professional ranks as the next step of his career.”

Wicky joins a number of coaches who have developed their careers with the U.S. Youth National Teams before moving to head coaching positions in MLS, including Peter Nowak, Wilmer Cabrera, John Hackworth and Tab Ramos.