Gregg Berhalter, head coach of the U.S. men’s national team, looks dejected after elimination from the Copa América soccer tournament after a 1-0 loss to Uruguay at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., on July 1, 2024.The U.S. men’s national soccer team was set up for success this summer. The U.S. was hosting Copa América, the quadrennial soccer championship of South America, and was once again invited to participate along with a few other central and North American teams.
You play, however, to win the game. As a sort of punishment for Berhalter’s public display of complacency, Uruguay scored seconds later, in the 66th minute when Mathias Olivera knocked a rebound on a free kick into the net. Olivera appeared to be offside earlier in the play. But after VAR review, the goal stood.
USMNT captain Christian Pulisic yells at referee Kevin Ortega during the Copa América match against Uruguay at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., on July 1, 2024.To be fair, in a physical game the refs did the U.S. no favor. American defender Antonee Robinson called the officiating, which included some questionable yellow cards and decisions to let play continue after fouls, “amateur hour.”, turned up the pressure during the last third of the match, but couldn’t score.
The soccer pundit class is now calling for a change, before it’s too late to inspire the team before the 2026 World Cup. The chants in Kansas City—particularly from the so-called American Outlaws, Team USA’s fiercest supporters—were audible:after the game. “We must do better. We will be conducting a comprehensive review of our performance in Copa América and how best to improve the team and results as we look towards the 2026 World Cup.
Instead of fighting for a title over the next few weeks, fans will be debating Berhalter’s fitness for his job, once again. An empty feeling, indeed.TIME may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.