USMNT Fans Call for Gregg Berhalter's Firing After Blowout Friendly Loss to Colombia
Jun 8, 2024
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - JUNE 08: Antonee Robinson #5, Christian Pulisic #10, Chris Richards #3, and Weston McKennie #8 of the United States walk the field prior to playing Colombia at Commanders Field on June 08, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
The U.S. Men's National Team had an unimpressive showing in Saturday's friendly against Colombia.
The U.S. fell 5-1 in the exhibition match at Commanders Stadium in Landover, Maryland, setting an ugly tone ahead of the Copa América and 2024 Olympic Games.
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) June 8, 2024
While the loss has no true impact on the U.S.'s fate in the Olympics, the lackluster performance had many fans frustrated with head coach Gregg Berhalter and called for his dismissal.
USMNT losing but a step closer to Berhalter being fired before he continues to waste the best generation of players we’ve ever had pic.twitter.com/ZYJ4yJzcWp
The collective decision making on the ball by the #usmnt in the last 20 minutes was just mind bogglingly bad; dribbling into trouble, passing into trouble. No one was immune. Not that the first 70 minutes were great, but just a shocking finish to the game.
The USMNT camp started back on May 28th. I don’t know what they’ve been doing for the past few days but today, they looked like a team that’s never played together before.
Colombia could’ve scored more goals too.
Gregg Berhalter has two more weeks to figure things out. Will he?
#usmnt 1-5, Sums up what I’ve been saying about usmnt. They think, perhaps been told to play out from the back like they’re fucking Man City. GTFOH with this shit. Delusional UMNT staff and play. We want Roy Keane
The U.S. have another big test before the Olympic Games. That will come later in June when the team will participate in Copa América.
It will have matchups against Bolivia, Panama and Uruguay and will hope that it can have some better performances than it had on Sunday.
USMNT vs. Colombia: Top Storylines and Predictions for 2024 Friendly
Jun 8, 2024
ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 24: United States forward Christian Pulisic (#10) tries to control the ball in traffic during the Concacaf Nations League Final match between Mexico and the United States on March 24, 2024 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The United States men's national team's final preparations for the 2024 Copa America start on Saturday against Colombia.
Gregg Berhalter's side has two friendlies set up with South American sides in the next week ahead of their participation in the tournament on home soil.
The next month will be vital for Christian Pulisic and Co. to see where they stand against some of the best nations in the western hemisphere.
The USMNT does not have to go through World Cup qualifying as a co-host of the 2026 event, so there's more pressure to get things right at the Copa to make progress leading into the World Cup.
USMNT vs. Colombia Info
Date: Saturday, June 8
Start Time: 5:30 p.m. ET
TV: TNT
Live Stream: Max
Preview and Top Storylines
Everything the USMNT does in the short term is in preparation for the Copa America, the South American tournament that will be held on American soil this summer.
The long-term scope is on the World Cup in two years. The two friendlies against Colombia and Brazil, as well as the Copa itself, will serve as benchmarks for where the Americans stand against the best South American national teams.
Forward play has been one of the bigger issues during Berhalter's tenure and he will be one forward down for Saturday's match at Commanders Field in Landover, Maryland.
Josh Sargent is out with a foot injury and he may miss the Copa. His status for the tournament is still to be determined.
That leaves the USMNT with Haji Wright, Ricardo Pepi and Folarin Balogun as the true striker options on the current roster. Timothy Weah, Brenden Aaronson and Christian Pulisic are all listed as forwards in the squad, but all of them are more effective in support roles around a No. 9.
Wright scored 16 goals in the English Championship with Coventry City this past season. That was two more tallies than Pepi and Balogun combined for at PSV Eindhoven and Monaco.
Wright should get a start based on form and he should have plenty of firepower behind him, led by Pulisic.
Berhalter has the opportunity to start his first-choice midfield of Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah and Tyler Adams if he wants. That did not seem like a possibility for most of the European club season since Adams missed a ton of time with injuries.
The USMNT manager could also mix in Luca de la Torre or Johnny Cardoso into midfield to deal with Colombia's talented attack, led by Liverpool's Luis Diaz.
Colombia has not lost in the last calendar year between friendlies and 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Los Cafeteros have scored at least once in 10 of their last 12 games.
Colombia will test a USMNT defense that allowed three goals in the last four competitive games in the Concacaf Nations League.
The Americans will take a step up from their normal level of competition in the next month, and if they are competitive and win a few games, some nerves will be eased about how the team's game translates to the World Cup.
A clean sheet against Colombia would be a terrific first step for the USMNT on its summer journey. A win would be even more impressive against a Colombia side that finished third at two of the last three Copa Americas.
The Copa América is coming to the United States next month. In addition to serving as the prestigious continental championship for South American teams, it's…
How Serie A Has Revitalized USMNT Stars Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie
Alex Windley
Apr 25, 2024
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - MARCH 24: Christian Pulisic #10 and Weston McKennie #8 of the United States pose for a photo with the Concacaf Nations League Trophy after defeating Mexico in the Concacaf Nations League Final at AT&T Stadium on March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
In recent years, a notable influx of American talent has graced the historic fields of Serie A.
This surge not only signifies a shift in the global soccer landscape, but it also highlights the growing reputation of U.S. players on the international stage.
For Weston McKennie of Juventus and AC Milan's Christian Pulisic, though, they want to perform without any labels, pressure or expectations.
"It's becoming common now to have Americans in Europe, so we don't really want to be looked at as 'the American player' that's playing over in Europe, we just want to be looked at as just a player," McKennie told reporters at a Serie A roundtable.
"No one looks at a random player and says that Brazilian kid from wherever is crazy playing in Europe or the English player. We're just players that are fortunate and gifted and worked hard."
Despite stints in the Premier League and Bundesliga, it was Serie A that gave Pulisic and McKennie the platform to not only shred stereotypes that plagued American footballers but also gave them the confidence to regain their form on the field.
Getting Back into the Groove
Pulisic and McKennie have struggled on the pitch during the last few years.
Pulisic has spent the last four seasons at Chelsea where he made an initial impact. During his first two years with the Blues, he scored 17 goals through 77 appearances.
Unfortunately, as injuries and club turmoil began to rise to the surface, the 25-year-old found himself relegated to the bench and often harshly criticized for poor performances.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 28: Christian Pulisic of Chelsea acknowledges the fans following the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge on May 28, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
McKennie experienced similar troubles in the Premier League during the past year and a half as well. The central midfielder suffered through a disappointing loan spell at Leeds United, which ultimately led to relegation for the West Yorkshire-based club.
Now playing in Italy, the duo have put the past behind them and made the most out of Serie A to inject new life into their careers.
"I want to be happy," McKennie said. "It's important for me to have a family environment and people to get along with. Christian and I have both found our self-confidence again."
This season, McKennie has rediscovered that self-confidence and then some, becoming a crucial part of manager Massimiliano Allegri's cerebral midfield, racking up seven assists across 31 Serie A matches.
TURIN, ITALY - 2024/04/13: Weston McKennie of Juventus FC seen in action during the Serie A 2023/24 football match between Torino FC and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino. Final score; Torino 0:0 Juventus. (Photo by Fabrizio Carabelli/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Pulisic echoed similar sentiments about his time in Italy so far.
"The self-belief I've lost that Weston spoke about, I think it's normal, and it comes and goes at times through player's careers. We both kind of needed to find that joy]again."
The Pennsylvania native has scored 10 times in 31 regular-season matches.
"I think it was the change in mindset and the way of life in Italy," Pulisic said.
"It was feeling that family environment, feeling that trust and confidence from a top team like Milan, and being trusted right away to be given opportunities to play."
What Does This Mean for the USMNT?
Fans of the United States men's national team will be excited to see two of its top players performing at a high level once again.
After defeating Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League final in late March, the Stars and Stripes are looking forward to a new challenge: competing in the 2024 Copa América, which starts on June 20.
ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 24: United States forward Christian Pulisic (#10) tries to control the ball in traffic during the Concacaf Nations League Final match between Mexico and the United States on March 24, 2024 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
This will be the second time the USMNT will play in the tournament, after the 2016 Centenario celebration.
Though there are still questions surrounding the re-signing of Gregg Berhalter as head coach, Pulisic and McKennie feel confident about their chances heading into this summer's competition.
"We have some great tests coming up, even before the World Cup. The Copa América will have a lot of great games and a lot of big teams that we're going to play," Pulisic said.
"We have the opportunity to show our quality."
McKennie agreed. "This summer will be an amazing test, again," he said.
"The showing we had at the 2022 World Cup has opened the eyes of the world, showing that we can compete, and we're not just looked at as a team that goes to the final whistle, we have that quality, but we can also play good football as well."
With the U.S. in Group C alongside Uruguay, Panama, and Bolivia and fresh off the back of victory over Mexico, the Yanks should have the confidence to beat anyone in the tournament with Pulisic and McKennie leading the way.
La Dolce Vita
Pulisic and McKennie have undoubtedly leveled up their game as players thanks to the tactical complexities of Serie A.
The chess-like, catenaccio duels of the league have helped the duo improve as players and expand their footballing IQ.
"In Italy, for me, it's a league that likes to shift tactics," McKennie said.
"In Serie A, it's more like you're playing chess, and you have to break the games down. It's almost as if the players are the chess pieces and the coach is the guy moving them. You definitely need brains to play in Italy."
Pulisic noted that playing in the league has helped him evolve as a professional.
MILAN, ITALY - OCTOBER 22: Weston McKennie of Juventus looks on as fellow American and national team colleague Christian Pulisic of AC Milan reacts as he is substituted in a tactical change by Stefano Pioli Head coach of AC Milan following the sending off of Malick Thiaw of AC Milan during the Serie A TIM match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 22, 2023 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
"I've grown a lot here," he said.
"It's been a great test for me. It also has come down to just being given opportunities. I've had a lot of time on the field to show what I can do, and I've been given a creative role and a lot of freedom at times, which has been a huge part of getting my self-belief back and growing that confidence."
Growing in confidence is precisely what both McKennie and Pulisic needed.
Following rough stints in England, playing football in Serie A has done wonders for them as players.
As the U.S. gets ready to take on some of the best teams in the world this summer, there is nothing more encouraging than seeing the country's two top players enjoying their football.
"It's been awesome, I'm loving every second of it," Pulisic said.
"It's been a fresh start for me, and I can't say enough good things about [Milan] and the fan base. It's been a big change for me, and I've enjoyed it a lot."
Let's hope that enjoyment can coarse through the rest of the U.S. squad.
Tyler Adams Amazes Fans With Goal as USMNT Beat Mexico in 2024 Nations League Final
Mar 25, 2024
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - MARCH 24: Tyler Adams #4 of United States celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during Final - Concacaf Nations League match between Mexico and United States at AT&T Stadium on March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)
Once again, the Concacaf Nations League belongs to the United States men's national team.
The Americans defeated Mexico 2-0 in Sunday's final at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The victory meant a three-peat for the Red, White and Blue in the Nations League and gave them bragging rights over their archrival.
Tyler Adams and Giovanni Reyna scored the goals for the winning side, while goalkeeper Matt Turner and the defense kept Mexico off the scoreboard.
Adams' goal shortly before halftime stood out, as he fired it from well outside the penalty box and broke much of the tension that dictated the back-and-forth start to the game. From there, Reyna also scored a beautiful goal during a prolonged dangerous attack for the Americans.
Yet it was Adams' strike that generated plenty of love on social media:
Tyler Adams hadn't started for the USMNT in 478 days due to injury.
He returns to the lineup in the Concacaf Nations League final vs. Mexico and scores an absolute banger 🚀 pic.twitter.com/5P0khe9yIV
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) March 25, 2024
12,000 years from now, when our civilization is a distant memory, there will be a patch of synthetic leather buried deep under millennia of sediment. And that little piece of unrotten plastic will still remember getting kicked by Tyler Adams.
Sunday's showing was quite different from the semifinal one for the United States. The USMNT barely scraped past Jamaica thanks in large part to a stoppage-time own goal that sent the match into extra time.
The Americans took full advantage with a 3-1 win, but it was far more nervy than Mexico's dominant 3-0 win over Panama on the other side.
Adams played an important role off the bench in that win over Jamaica and moved into the starting lineup for Sunday's final. The goal was long overdue and his first for the national team since 2018.
It was also just his second goal in 38 caps for the USMNT and couldn't have come at a better time or against a more notable opponent.
And it helped ensure the Americans were the ones celebrating at the final whistle.
The United States men's national team renews its rivalry with Mexico on Sunday in the third-ever Concacaf Nations League final. Gregg Berhalter's side reached…
Haji Wright Uplifts USMNT Fans as 2 Late Goals Seal Nations League Win vs. Jamaica
Mar 22, 2024
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - MARCH 21: Haji Wright #14 of the United States celebrates scoring with teammates during extra time against Jamaica during the Concacaf Nations League semifinal match at AT&T Stadium on March 21, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
It wasn't pretty, but a win is a win.
The United States needed needed every last second—and then extra time after that—to beat Jamaica 3-1 in Thursday night's CONCACAF Nations League semifinal.
Despite dominating possession, with 78 percent over the duration of the match, it was only a Cory Burke own-goal in the final minute of second-half stoppage time that kept the United States alive.
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 22, 2024
The Americans didn't wait to see their fate decided in penalties, as Haji Wright scored a brace in extra time to wrap things up and send the USMNT to the final.
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 22, 2024
That changed the narrative on the night. This was trending toward an angst-ridden airing of grievances on social media as the United State's attack sputtered and struggled to break down Jamaica's deep block for most of the match.
As you might imagine, the spears were sharpened and pointed toward manager Gregg Berhalter:
If the #USMNT lose to Jamaica, you have to let go of Berhalter. There’s no way you can have this play going into Copa America
But an own goal and Wright's brace provided a reprieve, and USMNT supporters seemed happy to have some positivity to focus on, even if the victory didn't completely erase what was still a disappointing performance:
Haji Wright's past week:
➖ Scores 90+10’ winner vs. Wolves to send Coventry to the FA Cup semis ➖ Scores go-ahead goal for USMNT in extra time of Concacaf NL semis
Gio Reyna and Haji Wright. Two players who have had their fair share of disrespect from the coaching staff and fans…. Now making the most of their chance to save the USMNT from potential embarrassment.
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 21, 2024
That began a 90-minute slog, as the United States dominated possession but just couldn't seem to break down Jamaica's deep block. No amount of substitutions or tactical tweaks seemed to help. And all of that, on home soil at Arlington's AT&T Stadium, despite Jamaican being far less than full strength.
What would this look like w/ Michail Antonio, Leon Bailey, Damary Gray, Shamar Williams, Ethan Pinnock, & Amary Bell. .. #USMNT
In the end, the match was salvaged and the United States are off to the final against either Mexico or Panama. But alarm bells surely are ringing around this team at the moment. Another performance like this one won't cut it in the final.
The United States were wasteful against Jamaica. If that's a trend, the disappointment that was so close to manifesting on Thursday night will come to fruition.
The United States men's national team will try to defend its two Concacaf Nations League titles in Arlington, Texas this week. The USMNT faces Jamaica in the…
USA Men's, Women's National Soccer Teams Unveil New Kits Ahead of 2024 Paris Olympics
Mar 18, 2024
The men's and women's national soccer teams unveiled some fresh new threads Monday.
Introducing...
The 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐜 and 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐈𝐜𝐨𝐧 kits for 2024 🇺🇸
Alongside right-back Sergiño Dest above, here's a sneak peak at USMNT striker Ricardo Pepi, midfielders Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Malik Tillman and winger Timothy Weah sporting the new kit:
And here are USWNT stars Lindsey Horan, Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, Midge Purce and Crystal Dunn rocking the updated uniforms:
The United States will be hoping the old adage "look good, feel good" holds up at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
For the USMNT, it's a chance for young, up-and-coming stars to put forward a strong performance in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The American men haven't played in an Olympics since 2008 and qualified for this summer's event at the 2022 CONCACAF U-20 Championship.
The USMNT have only medaled twice in the Olympics, with both coming in 1904, when the country fielded two separate teams in the three-team field (Canada had the third). The United States teams earned silver and bronze in that event.
The USWNT, meanwhile, are looking to win their first gold medal at the Games since 2012 and wash away the bitter taste left from the 2023 World Cup, where the Americans were shockingly eliminated in the Round of 16. The United States' four Olympic gold medals are the most in the history of women's soccer.
Both squads will have a vibrant new look in Paris.
USA Lose Friendly vs. Slovenia 1-0 on Nejc Gradišar Goal
Jan 20, 2024
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - JANUARY 20: Nejc Gradisar #11 of Slovenia and Sean Zawadzki #14 of United States battle for the ball during a match between Slovenia and United States at Toyota Field on January 20, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)
Gregg Berhalter's inexperienced United States side opened their 2024 with a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Slovenia on Saturday after a smart first-half winner from Nejc Gradišar.
This January camp has offered a great opportunity for Berhalter to blood new talent. He named a much-changed starting XI due to the match being played outside an official window FIFA window, with Christian Pulisic and the European-based big hitters unavailable against a Slovenia team who also missed their senior cohort:
Berhalter's men started brightly, putting together a decent spell of possession and a couple of sharp attacking moves.
DeJuan Jones' energy down the left saw him find space behind Slovenia's high line early on, but the New England Revolution defender's eagerness was let down by an overhit cross that missed everyone in the box.
A lovely build-up there from the U.S., started by Timothy Tillman.
Brian White and Josh Atencio also involved there with passes.
DeJuan Jones' eventual cross goes over everyone in the box, but positive to see from a lot of debutants. #USMNT
Slovenia slowly grew into the match and began to assert themselves on the ball midway through the first half. Berhalter's decision to push full-backs Jones and Shaquell Moore high up the pitch left centre-backs Sean Zawadzki and experienced international Miles Robinson exposed.
The visitors capitalised in the 26th minute with Gradišar taking advantage of huge space down the left once Bernard Kamungo was knocked off the ball. The in-form Gradišar, who has netted seven goals in 14 games for NK Rogašk in the Slovenian league this season, excellently poked beyond Patrick Schulte for 1-0.
A familiar story played out after the break as Berhalter decided against making changes.
Despite Diego Luna looking sharp, the Americans continued to lack spark in a second half of little note. The coach decided to make significant changes with 30 minutes to go in search of an equaliser:
Revs star Esmir Bajraktarevic came on for his debut and provided some moments of excitement for the San Antonio crowd at the Toyota Field stadium in Texas. He looked like the only player who might break through the Slovenia defence, playing incisive, fast-paced football from the right wing.
Esmir Bajraktarevic has looked great for the USMNT 🇺🇸 and he is just 18.
Kid looks technical, with a high soccer IQ, our best player on the field.
We need a nickname cause that name is far too complicated.
Really wish we got to see the likes of Esmir Bajraktarevic, Jack McGlynn, Duncan McGuire and John Tolkin from the start of the game. Much better since these subs came in.
Even so, Berhalter left his pursuit of an equaliser too late, with Slovenia comfortably soaking up any sustained pressure USA managed to put together. It's fair to say this is a poor result, but a couple of bright sparks in Luna and Bajraktarevic can be taken forward into what is a huge 2024.
The biggest worry right now is the style of football Berhalter continues to employ. He looked to exploit space where there was little, and despite dominance of possession, just can't get his men creating consistent chances; a problem that keeps showing itself no matter the squad makeup.
It's Jamaica next in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals on March 21, a much more important match where immediate improvement is needed.
