Judging USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter against his own success metrics

Should Berhalter be replaced? Ultimately, it's not our call. Matt Crocker, the U.S. Soccer Federation's technical director, makes that decision.

Crocker rehired Berhalter last summer and shared detailed notes on why he did it. By looking at those notes and comparing Berhalter's progress to his expectations, we can learn more about how Crocker (and U.S. Soccer as a whole) might treat Berhalter in the wake of this Copa America loss.

Here are the three key areas Crocker believed Berhalter could improve — and our thoughts on whether or not he's made it happen:

Effectively driving a vision-led identity 

With a home World Cup looming in 2026, U.S. Soccer doesn't just want a coach; it wants a visionary who will push players toward a recognizable style. U.S. Soccer doesn't seem to care what style that is, but it does care quite a bit about conviction and intention.

Berhalter's USMNT does have a recognizable style — high counter-pressing based on the creation of passing lanes — but its lack of consistent strikers causes that style to fall flat. Berhalter has several choices, from Tim Weah to Folarin Balogun to Josh Sargent. Still, every single one is different, forcing dramatic changes down the field to be successful. Without the right striker, Berhalter's 'identity' is a farce. 

Our score: 2/5

Pushing innovation and boundaries

Berhalter is many things, but an innovator is not one of them. He relies upon the same players across the field — poor old Tim Ream has been holding down the fort in central defense for what feels like a decade —and refuses to drop big-name players who underperform. This is Berhalter's great failure, and it's also the most important thing to USMNT fans — many of whom believe that pushing boundaries is the team's only option against top-level opponents. 

Our score: 1/5

Building lasting relationships with staff and players

This is the great unheralded strength of Berhalter: for all his faults, he is beloved by the very players USMNT fans think he's letting down. "I absolutely have faith in him," said midfielder Tyler Adams after the Uruguay loss. "Whatever happens happens, but I think if he's the coach, we're all happy," added Weston McKennie. 

For better or worse, Berhalter's man-management skills have earned him a lot of respect in the dressing room — even if that respect hasn't always translated into on-the-field performance. The players trust him more than they trusted previous coaches. 

Our score: 4/5

The Copa America continues (without the USMNT) on July 5. Berhalter's job remains under review.