Michael Nsien appointed as U.S. U-19 Men’s Youth National Team head coach

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.

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.