USMNT fans aired their frustrations at head coach Gregg Berhalter after he almost led his side to a shock CONCACAF Nations League exit to Jamaica.
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USMNT scrape past Jamaica AETPerformance against minnows slammedFans call for Berhalter's sackingGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
After Greg Leigh had scored for Jamaica within 60 seconds on Thursday, it took the USMNT until the very last minute of regulation time to find an equaliser. Miles Robinson saw his header clicked on by Cory Burke to send the game at AT&T to extra time, where a Haji Wright brace either side of the break rescued the Stars and Stripes from embarrassment. Naturally, some fans have taken issue with Berhalter for the manner of that win, even despite the USMNT progressing to the final.
AdvertisementWHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING
X page @MLSMoves reflected that exact sentiment, writing "I still want Berhalter fired no matter what….. he’s a loser and always has been". Another, @HiMyNameIsSeton, put simply: "Please replace Gregg Berhalter".
Others, such as @Kelvinstar_11, called for the return of Jesse Marsch at the helm, as he wrote: "This is the Golden Generation of US soccer. If this team wants to do anything serious, Gregg Berhalter is not the guy. Hand this team to Jesse Marsch and let him cook. How embarrassing it would be for the team to exit the Copa America in the group stage this summer."
More playful jibes compared Berhalter's ability to "ruin U.S. soccer" with NBA great LeBron James:
GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Not only was a dreadful performance saved by a 96th own-goal from the opposition, but the guy to win it in extra time was originally not even on Berhalter's plans. Michele Giannone reports that Wright was headed on vacation following his FA Cup heroics for Coventry a week ago, before an untimely injury to Josh Sargent opened a spot on the roster. Gio Reyna was on hand to assist both of Wright's goals, and those contributions may make Berhalter start him for the final against Mexico.
WHAT NEXT FOR THE USMNT?
While fan hostility rises following arguably one of the worst matches of Berhalter's tenure, he will be the man to lead the USMNT out against Mexico in the final on Sunday. He may need an impressive display from his players – and the win – if he wants to keep his job going into the Copa America this summer.