The United States Men’s National Team had an underwhelming result in the 2024 Copa América Tournament. After a few dispiriting performances, the U.S. failed to exit the event’s Group Stage.
In response to that poor performance, many have called for a change in leadership at U.S. Soccer. Namely, manager Gregg Berhalter has received criticism from all over.
Longtime columnist Frank Isola joined Around the Horn on Tuesday. The panel discussed the USMNT’s performance and what the reaction to that performance should be.’
“They lost the tournament in the second game to Panama,” Isola argued. “Tim Weah, red cared, then they took a 1-0 lead and end up losing 2-1. They get out of there with a draw, they’re okay. Uruguay is a better team than us. Now, as it relates to Gregg Berhalter? Let’s remember: He was out of contract. They then brought him back after a coaching search, and a lot of that had to do with some of these great coaches around the world – they can’t really afford them.
“I would think the fact that they did not get out of the Group, and you’re seeing the reaction to that. And I understand the players like him. And the players on the team are a bunch of good guys that play hard. I think they’re gonna back any coach and I do like the things they said yesterday. But I do think there is something to be said about bringing body from the outside. And there’s great American coaches. But maybe going to Europe, going to South America. Bring someone in that has no ties to anybody in U.S. Soccer and let that guy go at it as we head into the World Cup in the States.”
The negative reaction to the USMNT’s performance likely will persist until changes are made.
About Chris Novak
Chris Novak has been talking and writing about sports ever since he can remember. Previously, Novak wrote for and managed sites in the SB Nation network for nearly a decade from 2013-2022