Steven Lenhart

Steven Lenhart (born August 28, 1986) is an American former soccer player who played most of his career for the Columbus Crew and San Jose Earthquakes in Major League Soccer (MLS). He was later an assistant coach with the Westmont Warriors in NCAA Division II. Since 2025, Lenhart has been an advisor to Seattle Sounders FC.

Career

College and amateur Lenhart grew up in Yorba Linda, California, and attended Esperanza High School. He attended Point Loma Nazarene University for one year before transferring to Azusa Pacific University. He tallied 38 goals and 12 assists in his 61 career collegiate games for Azusa Pacific, and was named a NAIA All-American in 2007. He was also named to the NAIA All-Tournament Team in 2006 and 2007, was honored as the NAIA Tournament's Outstanding Offensive Player in 2006 and 2007, and was MVP of the 2007 NAIA Tournament while helping lead Azusa Pacific to the 2007 NAIA national title over Concordia University, Irvine. During his college years, Lenhart also played for the Southern California Seahorses in the USL Premier Development League.

Professional

Lenhart was selected by the Columbus Crew as the 48th overall selection in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft. He made his professional debut on May 31, 2008, as a second-half substitute against Chivas USA, and scored his first goal on June 21, 2008, against Los Angeles Galaxy. His rookie season ended with five goals across 12 appearances in the regular season and playoffs, with a dramatic tying goal in stoppage time of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinal versus the Kansas City Wizards as well as winning MLS Cup. Head coach Sigi Schmid subbed Lenhart into the last minutes of the final to show his appreciation for the contribution to the Crew's winning season. On June 11, He scored his first hat trick of his professional career. He signed a new contract with San Jose on November 30, 2011. His cry of "Goonies never say die!" led to the Earthquakes adopting the rally cry (in reference to the Goonies film) the next year.

On April 28, 2012, Lenhart would score both San Jose goals in a 2–1 victory against the Philadelphia Union, with the game winning goal coming in the third minute of second half stoppage time. He scored another late goal, this time in the 85th minute off a header in a U.S. Open Cup game versus Minnesota Stars FC, which proved to be the game winner in a 1–0 victory in June. In July, Lenhart scored a last-minute equalizer for 10-man San Jose against the Chicago Fire, his first game back since a four-game absence due to injury.

After a brief stint with Japanese side FC Imabari, Lenhart announced his retirement from the game on May 2, 2017, due to ongoing symptoms from concussions.

Coaching career

Lenhart joined Seattle Sounders FC at the beginning of the 2025 season as a mental health advisor. He was suspended for five Leagues Cup matches after a brawl during the 2025 final against Inter Miami CF.

Style of play Being typically deployed as a target man, Lenhart was a hard-working forward who was known for his physical play and last second heroics, Sam Stejskal of The Athletic described Lenhart's style of play as "rough and sometimes flagrantly physical"' and that Lenhart "came to be viewed around the league as an unabashed villain." Former Crew teammate Jason Garey praised his physicality, calling him "fearless and reckless, he's willing to put his body on the line at all times. It's great playing with him."

Personal life In 2020, Lenhart participated in World's Toughest Race: Eco-Challenge Fiji. He has a sister, Jennifer, who married to Scottish football player Adam Moffat in 2009.

Career statistics

Honors

Columbus Crew Major League Soccer MLS Cup (1): 2008 Major League Soccer Supporter's Shield (2): 2008, 2009

San Jose Earthquakes Major League Soccer Supporter's Shield: 2012