The U.S. males’s soccer staff simply endured a dismal efficiency in Copa América. With an opportunity to play no less than three group video games at residence in opposition to some top-flight competitors, and with a positive draw within the group stage, this was an opportunity for the USMNT to advance to the knockout spherical in what’s their solely main tuneup earlier than internet hosting the 2026 World Cup, together with Canada and Mexico
It went worse than you might need imagined.
Their run of group play acquired off to a optimistic begin, with a 2-0 win over Bolivia that might have simply seen the USMNT add one other purpose or two. However then every part went downhill within the 18th minute in opposition to Panama when Tim Weah punched an opponent and earned himself a pink card and a fast journey to the showers.
Whereas the US rebounded from that to take a 1-0 lead, Panama countered with two targets handy the People a brutal 2-1 loss.
Needing a win in opposition to Uruguay to someway preserve their probabilities of advancing alive, the USMNT fought exhausting, solely to return up brief 1-0. Sure, there have been some calls and non-calls that went in opposition to them, however having put themselves in a troublesome place with the loss to Panama, it was an uphill battle from the beginning.
Now the American soccer world is questioning what comes subsequent, and the American Outlaws — the largest group of supporters of American soccer — have made their emotions recognized.
It’s time for Gregg Berhalter to go.
In a submit on social media to over 180,000 followers, the group referred to as for a brand new head coach within the run-up to the 2026 World Cup. “There must be accountability and a plan to maneuver ahead for the USMNT. It’s time to make a change within the head teaching place,” learn the assertion partly.
You’ll be able to view the total assertion right here:
As the most important US Soccer supporter group, we take our position because the voice of followers critically. With that duty, we now have an obligation to ensure we take our time, do the work, and get it proper.
We’re with you.@ussoccer should make a head teaching change. pic.twitter.com/cN0iedvgRB
— AO (@AmericanOutlaws) July 3, 2024
The Outlaws are usually not the one ones calling for a change, however in reality, American soccer won’t have many nice choices in the mean time. It was one thing of a shock that Berhalter was introduced again following the 2022 World Cup, not for the staff’s efficiency however a mixture of historical past, and scandal. Whereas the USMNT put in a strong efficiency in Qatar — advancing out of Group B earlier than being eradicated by The Netherlands — second go-rounds haven’t normally been sort to USMNT coaches following a primary run on the World Cup.
For instance, after a strong displaying in 2002 when Bruce Area’s squad superior to the quarter-finals, the 2006 squad underneath his management was bounced within the group levels after two losses and a draw. Each Bob Bradley and Jürgen Klinsmann weren’t round for a second run.
Add within the scandal that emerged following the World Cup involving Berhalter and Claudio Reyna which was kicked off attributable to questions concerning the coach’s utilization of Gio Reyna, and there have been professional questions on the time whether or not Berhalter can be given one other alternative. As our associates at Stars and Stripes FC wrote on the time:
Whereas Berhalter has had some success, the largest victories the staff can declare are wins in opposition to Mexico within the Gold Cup and Nations League and attracts in opposition to Mexico on the Azteca and England within the World Cup. This was removed from Berhalter’s purpose to “change the way in which the world seems at American soccer.” The gamers could like him, however the staff wants a supervisor who can attain a better degree.
The federation should not waste this scandal by as soon as once more enabling mediocrity and ignoring poisonous conduct by having decision-makers who base their actions on allegiances to an outdated boy community. Sadly, if historical past provides any indication to what the longer term could maintain, it’s extra probably that selections that favor networks and mediocrity slightly than advantage will proceed to information the US Soccer Federation.
Nevertheless, the US Soccer Federation went in a distinct course, bringing Berhalter again for this run. And different choices had been handed over resembling Jesse Marsch, who was considered as maybe the “apparent” candidate to take over. Marsch then took the reins at Canada … and promptly guided that squad to the knockout spherical at Copa.
Whereas American soccer wonders what occurs kind right here.
A minimum of one group of supporters — and an influential one at that — has made their emotions fairly clear.