What a disappointing summer season for the U.S. Males’s Nationwide Workforce. Two irritating friendlies translated to a gaggle stage exit for Gregg Berhalter’s facet with huge questions surrounding the crew’s path heading into 2026.
There’s one phrase that completely sums up the USMNT’s efficiency at Copa America: failure. The crew didn’t get out of a gaggle it was predicted to simply. This was imagined to be a showcase and instill hope for what would be the greatest summer season ever come 2026 internet hosting the World Cup. As an alternative, we’re sitting right here trying on the crew pondering the place does it go from right here?
Any constructive emotions from the 2-0 win over Bolivia had been rapidly wiped away by dropping 2-1 to Panama and 1-0 to Uruguay. The very last thing I heard from Berhalter earlier than turning the TV off final night time was ramblings about xG. So far as I am involved, thanks for every little thing Gregg. However, regardless of the failure, there are some positives to takeaway. Not masses, however some.
Listed below are 5 issues we realized in regards to the USMNT from Copa America 2024.
It is easy to criticize the supervisor, particularly this summer season when you’re a USMNT or England supporter.
This crew has not gotten higher because the 2022 World Cup. If you wish to have a look at a crew and suppose what the naked minimal is beneath a supervisor, bettering year-on-year is on the high of the checklist. This group of gamers, broadly considered the very best technology of expertise ever produced, seemed misplaced at occasions and that falls on them and Berhalter.
The expertise is there with gamers, however what’s not there’s a clear identification and magnificence of play instilled from the supervisor. Some will say dream large and go for Jurgen Klopp, others will say that is downright delusional.
Followers need the US Soccer Federation to indicate one factor: ambition.
Balogun earned the beginning striker function this event, and admittedly it confirmed how a lot chew this crew was lacking within the assault when he wasn’t on the pitch.
One main takeaway from 2022 was that this crew wanted a quantity 9. When Balogun dedicated to characterize the US, followers instantly thought he was the reply. It took a while and convincing, however after this group stage there needs to be no extra questions. It is unlucky we cannot get to see him tackle the likes of Brazil or Colombia within the knockout stage.
Give him the area to develop and mature so when 2026 rolls round, followers are assured and excited to see him begin up high. To not point out, competitors for locations raises different gamers’ ranges.
Clint Dempsey highlighted after USA’s loss to Uruguay that this crew must develop extra inventive gamers within the attacking third. Yeah, not essentially a straightforward process, however one which nobody actually disagrees with. Is it Gio Reyna? Can he unlock a low block with a killer go? Whoever it’s, this crew wants somebody who can take two-to-three gamers out of a recreation with a by means of ball into the field.
Reyna was pushed farther ahead towards Uruguay with Tim Weah suspended. The attacking trio alongside Balogun and Christian Pulisic seemed fairly good, however everybody on the pitch struggled to cope with Uruguay’s excessive depth urgent.
Followers knew coming into the event that the crew can be with out starter Sergino Dest. After some hypothesis round who would fill in subsequent to Chris Richards, Joe Scally performed each pleasant and event match to an honest stage. He had his arms full the previous two months, however he proved to be a helpful asset for this crew shifting ahead.
He did not gentle the world on hearth, and maybe the participant continues to be second fiddle to Sergino Dest as soon as he is wholesome.
I do not wish to get into the entire debate round U.S. Soccer pundits, however one factor has resonated with me from the likes of Herculez Gomez and Alexi Lalas: this technology doesn’t have a signature win/second but.
And that is what success goes to be in 2026: have your signature second on residence soil.
Advancing out of the group is not a signature second. Different USMNT rosters have carried out that, this crew has carried out that already. This crew will need to have a second on no greater stage: internet hosting the World Cup.
