After nine days of waiting, following their group stage exit from a Copa America on home soil, Gregg Berhalter has been sacked by US Soccer. Berhalter started his role in 2016 and was rehired following his contract running out after the 2022 World Cup.
Gregg Berhalter Sacked by USSF
Misleading Stats
In his five or so years in charge of the USMNT, Berhalter had a record of 44 wins, 17 draws, and just 13 losses. However, numbers can be deceiving. Against the top 20 nations, it was a record of 5-7-6, with four of those five wins being against rivals Mexico.
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Outside of CONCACAF, a middling 9-7-8 record certainly did Berhalter no favours, and they struggled in matches on foreign soil. But even when they hosted the 2024 Copa America, that didn’t seem to matter.
Copa America Failure
Hosting this rendition of the Copa America was a massive opportunity for the USA. Just two years out from co-hosting the World Cup, this was a huge opportunity to get more casual fans in the States behind the team. This was also a great chance to shine a light on the improving player pool to people from outside the USA, who may not know about it.
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That came to a screeching halt when the US became the first team to be eliminated from the Copa America as the host nation. USMNT fans were already clamouring for the 50-year-old’s exit, but this was the straw that broke the camel’s back.
What’s Next?
This is the most important hire that the federation has ever had to make. With the sport constantly rising in America, it is imperative that the hire is something to be excited about, just like the player pool. You’ll hear a lot of noise about Jurgen Klopp, Steve Cherundolo, and Wilfried Nancy, but this certainly won’t be decided overnight. Whoever the replacement is will surely be sorted ahead of the September friendly window when they take on Canada and New Zealand.
