The US national soccer team’s 5-1 loss to Colombia has sparked intense criticism of coach Gregg Berhalter.
In a country where sports like basketball, football, and baseball usually dominate discussions, soccer specialists are now targeting Berhalter, accusing him of damaging the fan base that has developed over the past decade.
Some critics have even gone as far as to call for his imprisonment.
While the match was only a warm-up for the Copa America, which will be played in the United States, the humiliating loss to Colombia is the latest in a series of disappointing performances since Berhalter became coach in 2018.
Despite the match being non-competitive, the manner of defeat has exacerbated concerns about the team’s direction under Berhalter.
Many US soccer specialists acknowledge that the current squad’s talent level is unprecedented. With the US hosting the Copa America, featuring powerhouses like Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, it provides a crucial test for the team. Additionally, as the US prepares to co-host the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and Canada, the next two years are seen as potentially the most critical period in US soccer history.
Will bad results impact the sport’s growth in the US?
The remarkable growth in quality and popularity of MLS, along with the upcoming Copa America and World Cup, is expected to boost US soccer’s profile further. These events are anticipated to be administrative successes, key to the continued growth of US soccer and its various teams, both men’s and women’s, at youth and senior levels.
Social media erupted with criticism of Berhalter and the team’s poor performance against Colombia at FedEx Field in Maryland.
“They are really going to let Gregg Berhalter have a World Cup at home with the most talented USMNT squad of all time…” one user posted.
“We can’t let this happen. Offensive attack is kind of comical.” Added another.
Despite the outcry, the US Soccer Federation seems likely to retain Berhalter as head coach, despite rumors of poor locker room management. The public feud with Gio Reyna has also fueled calls for Berhalter’s departure. As the team looks ahead to the Copa America and World Cup, the pressure on Berhalter to deliver results continues to mount.
