Shocking exit: Gregg Berhalter out as US soccer coach following Copa defeat!

In a surprising move, the U.S. Soccer Federation announced Wednesday that Gregg Berhalter has been relieved of his duties as the head coach of the U.S. men’s national soccer team, effective immediately. This decision comes in the wake of the team’s recent 1-0 defeat to Uruguay in the Copa América tournament.

Gregg Berhalter, aged 50, originally took the helm as head coach in 2018 and continued through the end of his contract in 2022. He was rehired in June 2023 with a contract extending through the 2026 World Cup. During his tenure, Berhalter achieved a record of 44 wins, 17 losses, and 13 draws in 74 matches, with a solid performance in official competitions boasting a 29-9-7 record. Notably, he led the team to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, where they reached the round of 16 before falling to the Netherlands. Under his guidance, the team also won the 2021 Gold Cup and secured two Concacaf Nations League titles.

Cindy Parlow Cone, President of U.S. Soccer, expressed gratitude for Berhalter’s service: “I want to thank Gregg for his hard work and dedication to U.S. Soccer and our Men’s National Team. We are now focused on working with our Sporting Director Matt Crocker and leveraging his experience at the highest levels of the sport to ensure we find the right person to lead the USMNT into a new era of on-field success.”

Matt Crocker, U.S. Soccer Sporting Director, also acknowledged Berhalter’s contributions: “We are deeply grateful to Gregg for his commitment the past five years to the Men’s National Team and to U.S. Soccer. Gregg has earned the respect of everyone within our organization and has played a pivotal role in bringing together a young team and moving the program forward. We wish Gregg all the best in his future endeavors, and we know he will find success in his next coaching position.”

With Berhalter’s departure, Crocker has initiated a search for a new head coach. This change marks a significant moment for the U.S. men’s national team as they look to reposition themselves for future competitions and build upon the foundations laid by Berhalter.

As the U.S. Soccer Federation turns the page, the focus shifts to identifying a leader who can propel the national team to new heights. The upcoming selections and strategies will be crucial in shaping the next chapter of U.S. men’s soccer.