Gregg Berhalter’s tenure as the manager of the United States men’s national soccer team was marked by meeting modest expectations but failing to exceed them in a way that could excite fans or stakeholders. While this was enough to keep him in charge for a time, the lack of significant accomplishments limited his political capital within the U.S. Soccer Federation and goodwill outside of it. The recent failure to advance past the group stage at the U.S.-hosted Copa América was a major misstep that left Berhalter with little support to fall back on, ultimately resulting in his dismissal from the position.
The decision to part ways with Berhalter was made by U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker, who cited various reasons for the move. These included a lack of chance creation and scoring from set pieces, as well as concerns about the overall evolution of the team. Despite some positive aspects of Berhalter’s tenure, such as rebuilding the team after its failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, his inability to secure significant wins or show consistent progress ultimately led to his downfall. The decision to rehire Berhalter in 2023 was seen as a mistake by many, given the airing of internal issues and the team’s stagnant performances under his leadership.
With Berhalter’s dismissal, U.S. Soccer is now faced with the task of finding a new head coach who can lead the team to success, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon. Crocker emphasized the need to have a coach in place prior to the September international window and expressed willingness to invest in attracting a top-quality candidate. Communication was highlighted as a critical aspect of the coaching role, indicating that the new coach will need to effectively convey messages to players to drive success on the field.
Moving forward, U.S. Soccer must learn from the mistakes of the past and ensure that the next coach can help the USMNT regain its standing in the international soccer world. The focus should be on finding a coach with a track record of winning and player development, regardless of their nationality. By casting a wide net and prioritizing success on the field, U.S. Soccer can set the team on a path toward progress and avoid the stagnation seen under Berhalter’s leadership.
The dismissal of Gregg Berhalter as the manager of the USMNT marks a turning point for the team. It serves as a reminder of the importance of setting high expectations and holding coaches accountable for results. With the right leadership in place, the USMNT can once again climb the ranks in international soccer and leave behind the disappointments of the past.
Leave a Reply