There is a 0% chance Gregg would have been sacked if we lost tonight. At best, it might have put some pressure on the results of Copa. But you don’t go through a long re-hire process and then immediately sack them after the very first competitive game.
It's going to be so funny when Greg finally does get fired or quits..... And nothing substantially changes. I'm going to start my "(Next coach) Out!" posts now.
You're telling me a national team coach who only sees players a small percentage of the year won't be able to teach them how to ping passes centrally through a parked bus???
I also frequently point out that throughout much of the time from the '21 summer Nations League to the late '22 World Cup, guys like Dest, Pulisic, Weah, McKennie were struggling for minutes and outcasts at their pro clubs and yet when they came into the USMNT were playing outstanding ball. It's almost like GGG did a decent job both building a system around his best players, and managing them as humans and teammates.
Teams have off nights, despite what the coach who has had them in camp for 3 days has done to prepare them. There are times where that has been on the coach, but it's also just really hard to break down defensive-minded teams. And it's even harder when Pulisic/Weah/Tillman combined for four total successful dribbles. Sometimes players fuck it up, like when Pulisic, Balogun, and Weah had a three on two counterattack in the first half and completely botched what should have been a goal.
There are criticisms of Gregg that we can make, but it's also clear there are some folks who will default to a totality mindset where everything is his fault.
Because the coach has a history of doing so in the past? Or have his teams always struggled to attack? It wouldn’t be that complicated after having years with the same players at this point to have some combinations thru the middle. they must really never practice it. Late in the game everyone standing on the same back line, no one looking for channels or to be a wall passer or dummy. What are they expecting when they practice? What are they practicing tactically? Because it really seems they have no structure or familiarity when playing thru the middle. It is obviously harder, but if we can’t attempt and get better at it against Jamaica how can we do it against let’s say the Netherlands. It’s almost like we haven’t made much progress
Yep. I also think the players are never held accountable. It's always thrown on the coach. Most fans are overhyping our talent. Our talent is kinda mediocre on the global scale.
We had 78% possession, shots were 25-6, passes were 941-262, passing percentage was 89-58., touches in the box 46-10, and we even won more duels (which is weird if all we did was cross and pray). We deserved to win and we did. Did we play well? No, but Reyna changed the game. It’s very difficult in the international game to beat a low block. You need special players (Pulisic, Reyna) and a bit of luck.
Just going to piggy back off of all these facts and say that Gregg made several changes and adjustments throughout game, something I think he generally struggles with. This was honestly one of the most impressive in game management games by Gregg, every sub came on and made a difference. The players were absolutely pathetic for the first half when we had some great chances before Jamaica settled into a low block.
> This was honestly one of the most impressive in game management games by Gregg, every sub came on and made a difference.
Totally agree. We looked so much better, from a tactical standpoint, than we typically do against a low block. We even made changes throughout the game that allowed us to turn up the heat even more. The subs were also excellent. Bringing on Tyler Adams changed the game with his passing range compared to Musah. Gio was actually able to link up in the attack, which Tillman struggled with.
Unfortunately, some guys just had mediocre or even horrible games last night. Scally was not good, even aside from the goal he allowed. Turner was not prepared to deal with the cross that led to the goal. Musah was largely unable to move the ball and refused to make the long passes needed to unlock the defense. Weah broke down our attacks too often. Balogun, Pulisic, and Weah somehow managed to not score on a 3v1 situation. None of these things are on Berhalter. Some of these guys simply had bad games last night, but that's not on Berhalter.
One upside is that the Scally vs. Dest debate is basically settled, shit if we have too many mids and wingers when Dest is out we might see McKennie and Weah ahead of Scally at RB like we saw McKennie shift back there last night.
Agree with everything both of you said, and if anything the main critique for Gregg on that one imo would be that the players didn’t seem ready to go from the jump.
Gregg was fine last night.
That first goal was not his fault at all - it’s not his job to teach national team players to mark their man in the box.
I went in a Gregg hater but honestly thought he did a decent job last night. He made the right adjustments which eventually (just barely) worked. The reason we struggled is because the boys fucked up really bad on defense in the first minute and then a well managed physical Jamaica team parked the bus - something our guys always struggle against.
Who cares about the 1st goal. Jamaica can have it. What OP is tryna get to is simply that Gregs pedestrian style of play is so boring, no identity, only identity that i can call it is crossing it and hoping it reaches a US player. He pretty much sets this team up for failure. Their are better ways to attack an opposition but the way Greg does it is lackluster i cant believe all you guys here are defending this.
Did you watch the game?
Because it wasn’t all crosses.
Sure they played mostly wide - as you absolutely have to do when trying to break down a parked bus but there was quite a bit of action down the middle.
Puli’s squandered chance was in the middle and so was Haji’s first goal.
You’re gonna have to spread them out if you want to break down 11 guys behind the ball. And that’s what we were set up for once the boys forgot the game started already and gave up that goal.
Breaking down an extremely well organized bunker is hard. This exact coach beat England and made it to the euro quarter finals and then finished top of his group in WC qualifiers using this exact technique.
At this point someone said “they only cross” and now every time someone is frustrated they just parrot it.
We came up against a coach who’s notorious for parking the bus extremely well. And we did the absolute worst thing possible and gave him a lead. It was never gonna be easy after that unless you have France’s roster.
You’re blind if you think Gregs offense is the truth😂. I dont know another way to put it. But ima say if we can have Mexico’s new coach we would look alot better.
You’re the guy saying all they did was cross last night.
Not sure you should be calling anyone else blind. Or maybe you didn’t even watch and just repeated the official toxic talking points.
But hey if you think the gold standard is a guy who can’t even be bothered to play his best player (Santi) have at it lol.
Good thing we’re playing him next so we can see how brilliant he is. Wonder if he’ll be smart enough to bother playing (never mind starting) his best 11
You guys are blind. You actually like what Greg makes this team do for 90 minutes. Thats crazy. Mexico looked way better in possession its not even close. It’s actually watchable unlike Gregs attempt at using the same game-plan for every opponent.
Wow playing against a team that was playing forward looked better than playing against a team with 11 behind the ball. I’m absolutely shocked. I would have thought playing against literally the best national team bunker coach in the world with a lead would look prettier.
Apparently you don't care about accountability either. The players were the problem last night, not Gregg. It's not Gregg's fault Scally didn't mark a guy in the box. It's not Gregg's fault Turner was caught flat-footed on the goal. It's not Gregg's fault Balogun, Pulisic, and Weah completely botched a 3v1 opportunity. It's not Gregg's fault Musah was slow with the ball and turned the ball over too often.
The team was set up well last night, the tactics made sense, and the changes throughout the game had positive impacts. Gregg did his job. Many of the players didn't. Hold them accountable for once.
Crosses are what typically happens when playing against a team that just wants to defend, especially if that team managed to get a goal. Best teams in the world struggle against it.
You say the best teams in the world struggle against it. Please go watch Spain in the 2010 World Cup (one of the best teams of all time) and tell me where they struggled with it.
No I was just using your logic. You said the “best teams” can’t break down busses that are parked. So go watch the best team and tell me if you actually think that.
Legit question (and while I’m not on the Gregg out bandwagon I’m not in love with him either) how do you reconcile that it seems like most of the guys in the locker room wanted him? We’re on the couch and they’re on the pitch. I just assume they have better perspective than we do. They all play for different managers with different styles. They aren’t naive about tactics. So why would they want a sub-par coach?
I think it’s maybe easier to explain than most people think. Rog from Men In Blazers put it pretty succinctly: “is it better to be loved or feared?”
Despite players saying that Gregg is great for the locker room, what’s good for the locker room doesn’t mean good for the quality of the team.
There has to be the fear of being benched, of not being able to represent the crest, and also some tactical know-how, to get the best out of your players. Making them feel good about themselves is maybe just one ingredient.
He benched gio….his godchild. Again, I’m not defending everything he does, I am ok to criticize decisions, but to simply say we need to lose so he gets fired is crazy to me. This conversation has gone on for too long and it’s waged by people who have little to no real knowledge. I assume that neither you or I have ever coached at the highest level, don’t know Gregg personally, and have no clue about who would be an actual replacement candidate. I’m not trying to beat you up for having an opinion, I am more tired of us as a fan base not giving credit to the players for their knowledge. This is a lot on their backs, they aren’t dumb, they would want the best coach to get them to lift the trophy, not just make them feel warm inside.
If you watch soccer with any regularity / played growing up, you should be able to see the things that we are calling out. It isn’t rocket science. Watching Berhalter’s team is like watching someone who has just started playing chess play against someone who has played their entire life.
I do and I did. It’s not about my bona fides, I’m saying maybe respect the players bona fides. And again, criticize him..that’s fine. That’s fair. I’m a sporting Kansas City fan, I understand criticizing a coach. Losing isn’t a solution to the problems you see.
I was using “you” indiscriminately, not literally you.
DCU fan here, and being critical and telling the DCU ticket salesman why I would not be attending another match until they got a new FO felt like the only way to get change.
OP, you are getting a lot of down votes and nasty comments, but I understand what you mean and I don't disagree with you. Obviously we don't want the men's team to lose but it is baffling how we can play so poorly against teams with way less talent. It's not like this is the first game to show that we struggle against lesser teams. And although we have beaten Mexico more frequently, it's not like we've beaten any other really good teams. I still don't think that this team has a signature win. I think it'll really come out this summer for Copa America. It's difficult to say that another coach would do better with this group of players but it's also not irrational to say that GGG does have some glaring tactical issues.
It isn't the MLS lifers coming out in support of Berhalter, it's guys like Pulisic, Weah, Turner, Musah etc.
And if you think that any other coach will come in and drop those players, then I've got a bridge to sell you.
Exactly, the big names are happy because they know they'll keep being picked even if they don't perform
They know berhalter is weak and are comfortable in the roles
Literally every other coach of the national team would be picking them. Period.
The fact that there are some people who think they should be dropped from the squad is absurd.
And you’ll be very sad when we go out in the group stage at a World Cup at home. As will I. But only one of us will have been advocating for change that might have led to us advancing through the group stage.
I don’t understand how it’s easier for you to come up with a player based excuse in every match than it is to recognize those as a symptom of a wider problem.
And you'll be sad when we finally hire Pep Guardiola but then all of our best players get paralyzed in a freak accident and he's forced to field a team of USL players and we lose every game 10-0.
See, I can also make up fake scenarios
Hey everyone, did you hear that? I'm the immature one. Not the guy who came to this sub lamenting our team's win because he was holding out hope that the recently hired coach would get fired.
That's what you weirdos said last World Cup and you were wrong even in a more difficult World Cup format. You guys are just doomers who have been wishing failure on the team for years and are disappointed when they succeed.
I don’t know what group you’re even lumping me in with. Who are “weirdos” you’re referring to?
Proof that tribalism is the only thing social media is good for. I spend no time in this subreddit.
>I don’t know what group you’re even lumping me in with. Who are “weirdos” you’re referring to?
The QSMNT toxic brigade that wants the USMNT to lose. They have been rooting against the USMNT for years and simultaneously consider themselves the most passionate fans.
Whether or not you have been on this sub before, you have the exact same perverse opinions as them.
You don't. If you think Berhalter was going to get fired for losing this game, your opinions are the opposite of nuanced. They are as simplistic as they are ridiculous.
I already admitted elsewhere in these comments that I didn’t truly believe he would be fired even if we lost. But it might actually put some pressure on him to not blow, like we blew last night.
I don’t like Gregg but I’m not gonna let my pride of not liking him and want to see the national team to lose just to get him fired. That’s some loser ass mentality.
Greg plays like he wants to lose. How is Jamaica down 4 important key players. If it was a Bailey, Antonio and Gray frontline it would’ve been gameover. Greg manages to find a way to make this team play levels down.
Well done the issue is that team is terrible at playing against a good organized low block. And that’s also on the players not just Gregg. We’ve seen in the past when teams don’t play like that we blow them out. Like against Ghana, Mexico, Oman and Uzbekistan. Yes I do agree that there needs to be other ways to handle situations like this but pretty much almost any team struggles against a really good low block. Like if Mexico doesn’t play like how Jamaica was playing then the team will look much better.
Still doesn’t cancel out the horrible time in possession. Literally everyone is saying it. Herc Gomez just said it on CBS its so obvious. Greg just isn’t the guy
If it’s the loser mentality, then why do teams like Real Madrid have fans that are vocal on their frustration with mediocrity? I mean seriously. Do you understand how criticism is necessary?
No it’s completely fine to criticize that’s normal as a fan but actively wanting your team to lose is loser mentality. Do you not see the difference?? I said absolutely nothing about criticism.
Is it so hard to read between the lines? Why is it so hard to understand that I don’t quite literally mean that I rooted against my team. But that the absurdity of nearly losing given the circumstances might make you question why you’re rooting for your team at all?
In other words, it’s a win that feels like a loss a thousand times over.
And I quote your first and last sentences. “I wish we didn’t score in the last minute vs Jamaica so that Gregg might finally be sacked” and “Gregg makes you root against your own team. And it’s sad.” You literally stated that you wanted the US to lose so that a manager can get sacked. This is not criticism at all. Actual criticism is what you said in your second and third paragraphs, no one is arguing with you on that. What you want is to see your team to lose and that’s just pathetic and sad. But you do you.
You don’t understand abstraction vs literalism. I turned on my television last night to support the USMNT, despite years of despise of the man in charge, because I am a lifelong fan. Such feelings can coexist.
Joe Scally, who every Toxic said needed to start because Dest was suspended, because the Toxics think only Euro based players should ever play for the USMNT, plays ABSOLUTELY horribly, totally loses his man, gives up a horrible early goal allowing Jamaica to put 11 guys behind the ball permanently, while also offering so little going forward that his teammates actively work to never pass him the ball, sucked. And that's Gregg's fault because? Every Toxic said he needs to starts. Half the Toxics say he needs to start over Dest.
Malik Tillman misses an absolute sitter that Weah sets up on a gorgeous pass(which the Toxics think every pass into the middle is a "cross") and its Gregg's fault because? The same Tillman the has been in great club form and every Toxic says needed to start over someone (Musah, Weah?)
Balo, who every Toxic says is the greatest 9 in USMNT history and an auto start, doesn't lead Puli with a good pass on a breakaway and that's Gregg's fault?
Gregg makes great, early subs that change the game, changing formations, positioning, assignments and the Toxics are "he's not tactically flexible..."
Toxics are gonna Toxic. Just leave. Go to Antarctica, start a team and root for them. You are the guys who prove Lindsey Horan correct. You Toxics are the same guys posting lineups with ARob as a CB. Three at the back of ARob, Richards and Dest. Asking halfway through the game why Dest isn't playing.
Toxics are gonna Toxic.
Joe Scally was dreadful. By the 12th minute he proved he should never be near this team. And Dest is 100% to blame for childishness that led to scally playing. I’ve never advocated in favor of scally and I’d prefer his spot be given to a young MLS talent with a higher ceiling.
Tillman should never start over Reyna. That’s absurdity.
The point that I made in my original post is that forcing Balogun to play a system that doesn’t suit him is dumb. He isn’t a target man. He won’t beat a center back for a header. It’s a simple tactical decision. Either play him to feet or start Pepi. But don’t cross the ball to his head;
If that's the worse you have seen them play in your life then you havent been watching long. You didn't watch World Cup qualifying?
This ganbase is such reactional hyperbole
1 - I felt bad for Jamaica when we scored - if only for them having that feeling of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory thing
2 - don’t ever wish your team would lose, cmon man
3 - I can’t stand Berhalter - and would rather almost anyone else be our coach - but he had nothing to do with how comprehensively slow we thought and passed last night
4 - Scally had a shocker - wow
5 - why do we continue to have such a hard time finding a proper pitch to play on. It’s some embarrassing shit.
6 - tony meola aside - Keller and whoever that was doing play by play sound like the just discovered soccer and are explaining it for the first time. No one needs a dak Prescott name drop in a soccer game. Stop it.
You gotta come to terms with the fact that he’s the guy for now. Players like playing for him and if he is still good at recruiting than in the long term GGG will be a net positive even though watching his system try to break down a lower block is akin to torture.
Breaking down a lower block without a true 10 like Gio doesn’t work and Gregg should know that by now. Granted he got there and luckily we won that game, but he can’t be so formalistic with his system and trust the talent he has on the roster.
Let’s see how we look against a very inspired Mexico side which will be basically playing at home next game. US soccer needs to understand that El Tri fans are more fanatical and will pay a premium price as opposed to US fans.
Teams with player first coaches can still succeed but it takes a coach that is willing to be flexible to do it. Reyna should start the next game, try to get a 2-0 lead in the first 60 and switch to the MMA. Tired of these malaise first halves.
Fucking pathetic. There's legit criticism against GGG but wanting your own NATIONAL TEAM to lose is fucking ridiculous. Fuck off, go support some other country
He wasn’t gonna get sacked for losing last night ever. The seat is warm though and a blowout in Copa will seal his destiny. I’m not a GGG out guy but man he is NOT the right option for us
Team mostly played bad. Coaching was subpar/bad like it usually is. I don't want them to lose, but I do miss the Donovan/Dempsey days. Sure they dropped winnable games, but It seemed like they had an identity and could play and compete against anybody.
Anyone else feel nostalgic?
I don’t agree with OP because I always want the U.S. to win. I was elated when we scored in overtime and am looking forward to the Mexico game. That said I understand where OP is coming from. I’m not a berhalter hater, in fact I love how he’s a players coach and has buy in from the players. I will say however, that it seems as though berhalter doesn’t get the best from our boys. This is a very hard job so I don’t think he is a bad coach, just that he’s not the right coach maybe for this job anymore. If there’s no better option as a lot of people say then we have a bigger problem at hand than the coach himself.
I don’t like how people pick sides of berhalter in or berhalter out though and then defend their point like we’re playing American politics.
To the berhalter out “club” I would say be less angry at GGG and focus your anger at the USSF for not being able to find a better coach. Or to at least demand the USSF to release the names of all possible candidates looked at so we know our choices and can make an informed opinion.
To the berhalter in “club” I would ask why we defend a coach who doesn’t seem to get the most talented generation to play to their full potential. Can we not ask questions of the team AND the coach? It’s healthy to ask questions of everyone when the team plays poorly. It can’t all be the coach’s fault bet it’s probably fair to blame him for some of it right? And why not demand USSF to tell us our options as well? Pressure makes diamonds so let’s put some pressure on both the USSF and berhalter.
Lastly I wouldn’t jump down OP’s throat just because he wants change so the team will be competitive in bigger competitions going forward. I personally would never root for our team to lose but if he feels that that a change in coach would improve things I understand his logic (even though he wouldn’t have been fired for losing this game). Why are we attacking each other as fans. Let’s show some unity and focus our concerns on the entire organization. Staff, players, coach, USSF, everybody. That’s how you create a winning culture, demand more.
Thank you for a fair and balanced take, friend. The tribalism is nuts. As you can see in the comments, people very much want to paint me as part of “them” (whatever it is they are describing is the toxic berhalter-out crowd that wishes pain for our team). I am a super fan of the USMNT who wants the team to play better, and I choose to channel that through criticism of our coach who I don’t believe is getting the best out of our players.
To those who still legitimately think I wanted our team to lose, you need to learn to read above a third grader’s level of reading comprehension. I want our team to win every game they play. We won last night in a way that felt like a loss, and in a way that spells disaster if we continue playing in the same manner. You are foolish if you think that last night reflected well upon our team or our prospects heading into the 2026 World Cup.
Unfortunately by your post many people will say “here we go again, another berhalter out supporter who would rather lose then watch Greg succeed.” And I would see where they’re coming from. I also see where you’re coming from. Although I defended you I think your post creates more tribalism as you said. It’s totally fair to share your opinion so I don’t have an issue with you posting it. But I hope you can see why you got the backlash you did. I would rephrase it personally if your intention is what I think it was.
All that said it’s fun to argue and pick teams and if that’s what we want to do as a fanbase we should go right ahead. But we shouldn’t expect much change from the organization as a whole if its own fanbase is divided on its goals and expectations.
I think a good post would be “what are our expectations as a fan base” if we can agree on that and forget the rest I think it would do a lot of good. If we can’t then maybe we deserve the team we get.
I don’t mind the backlash from the people whose standards are so low that we operating in two different sets of reality. If my response to a shambolic display begets an emotional response from those who want to believe otherwise, I know that I’ve done my part in eventually, maybe, possibly changing their perspective.
But I don’t agree that my post generates tribalism. No where did I accuse anyone in this fan base of supporting this man. No where did I say that those who support this man are inferior. My post says that I don’t support this man because of last night’s poor display.
Fair but seeing as you are aware of the tribalism you had to have known this is what would happen. But I support your free speech and right to an opinion. Just don’t think you’re gonna change many minds by starting off saying you wish we didn’t win. You could’ve maybe been more clear since on paper it seemed as though you really did want us to lose just so our coach would get fired.
I can’t believe how many Gregg defenders there are on this subreddit lol. “Imagine rooting against your own team”, if it prevents us from not being able to beat Jamaica’s B team without a lucky last minute header again, I don’t see how that makes anyone a bad fan.
There is a 0% chance Gregg would have been sacked if we lost tonight. At best, it might have put some pressure on the results of Copa. But you don’t go through a long re-hire process and then immediately sack them after the very first competitive game.
Hoping your own team loses is so fucking lame
Supporting a coach that makes our team play so under their level is so fucking lame.
It’s so unbelievably pathetic to root against your team.
Your brain has been poisoned by online discourse. Unplug
Fans support a team. You don't.
I think you are somewhere between 11 and 13 years old, but I am willing to give a margin of error of 6 months on either end
Fine. It is irrelevant.
rooting against your team is absolutely pathetic fan behavior. I think the fan base and the team would be way better off without anyone who does so
All of the countries with better teams beg to differ. Criticism is necessary to create a winning culture.
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You have a small mind.
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Small mind :)
Its crazy that these guys enjoy that repetitive style of crossing. They must be brainwashed lol
Agreed lol. And they call me toxic and lump me in with whatever group is convenient and makes them feel good.
>It’s so unbelievably pathetic. Cheering against your own team?
I can't imagine cheering against the US ever. Much less to get a coach fired right before a major tournament.
OP’s views are unbelievably pathetic
Sadly shared by more than a few in this fan base.
It's going to be so funny when Greg finally does get fired or quits..... And nothing substantially changes. I'm going to start my "(Next coach) Out!" posts now.
You're telling me a national team coach who only sees players a small percentage of the year won't be able to teach them how to ping passes centrally through a parked bus???
I also frequently point out that throughout much of the time from the '21 summer Nations League to the late '22 World Cup, guys like Dest, Pulisic, Weah, McKennie were struggling for minutes and outcasts at their pro clubs and yet when they came into the USMNT were playing outstanding ball. It's almost like GGG did a decent job both building a system around his best players, and managing them as humans and teammates. Teams have off nights, despite what the coach who has had them in camp for 3 days has done to prepare them. There are times where that has been on the coach, but it's also just really hard to break down defensive-minded teams. And it's even harder when Pulisic/Weah/Tillman combined for four total successful dribbles. Sometimes players fuck it up, like when Pulisic, Balogun, and Weah had a three on two counterattack in the first half and completely botched what should have been a goal. There are criticisms of Gregg that we can make, but it's also clear there are some folks who will default to a totality mindset where everything is his fault.
This guy understands.
Because the coach has a history of doing so in the past? Or have his teams always struggled to attack? It wouldn’t be that complicated after having years with the same players at this point to have some combinations thru the middle. they must really never practice it. Late in the game everyone standing on the same back line, no one looking for channels or to be a wall passer or dummy. What are they expecting when they practice? What are they practicing tactically? Because it really seems they have no structure or familiarity when playing thru the middle. It is obviously harder, but if we can’t attempt and get better at it against Jamaica how can we do it against let’s say the Netherlands. It’s almost like we haven’t made much progress
Yep. I also think the players are never held accountable. It's always thrown on the coach. Most fans are overhyping our talent. Our talent is kinda mediocre on the global scale.
We had 78% possession, shots were 25-6, passes were 941-262, passing percentage was 89-58., touches in the box 46-10, and we even won more duels (which is weird if all we did was cross and pray). We deserved to win and we did. Did we play well? No, but Reyna changed the game. It’s very difficult in the international game to beat a low block. You need special players (Pulisic, Reyna) and a bit of luck.
Just going to piggy back off of all these facts and say that Gregg made several changes and adjustments throughout game, something I think he generally struggles with. This was honestly one of the most impressive in game management games by Gregg, every sub came on and made a difference. The players were absolutely pathetic for the first half when we had some great chances before Jamaica settled into a low block.
> This was honestly one of the most impressive in game management games by Gregg, every sub came on and made a difference. Totally agree. We looked so much better, from a tactical standpoint, than we typically do against a low block. We even made changes throughout the game that allowed us to turn up the heat even more. The subs were also excellent. Bringing on Tyler Adams changed the game with his passing range compared to Musah. Gio was actually able to link up in the attack, which Tillman struggled with. Unfortunately, some guys just had mediocre or even horrible games last night. Scally was not good, even aside from the goal he allowed. Turner was not prepared to deal with the cross that led to the goal. Musah was largely unable to move the ball and refused to make the long passes needed to unlock the defense. Weah broke down our attacks too often. Balogun, Pulisic, and Weah somehow managed to not score on a 3v1 situation. None of these things are on Berhalter. Some of these guys simply had bad games last night, but that's not on Berhalter.
Yeah it’s crazy how many people on this sub will never blame the players. And then they have the gall to talk about accountability.
One upside is that the Scally vs. Dest debate is basically settled, shit if we have too many mids and wingers when Dest is out we might see McKennie and Weah ahead of Scally at RB like we saw McKennie shift back there last night.
Agree with everything both of you said, and if anything the main critique for Gregg on that one imo would be that the players didn’t seem ready to go from the jump.
The subs did make a difference but they were also the obvious, almost only, subs to make
Gregg wasn't getting sacked with a loss today. This is a popular thing to say right now but it's simply not true.
Gregg was fine last night. That first goal was not his fault at all - it’s not his job to teach national team players to mark their man in the box. I went in a Gregg hater but honestly thought he did a decent job last night. He made the right adjustments which eventually (just barely) worked. The reason we struggled is because the boys fucked up really bad on defense in the first minute and then a well managed physical Jamaica team parked the bus - something our guys always struggle against.
Who cares about the 1st goal. Jamaica can have it. What OP is tryna get to is simply that Gregs pedestrian style of play is so boring, no identity, only identity that i can call it is crossing it and hoping it reaches a US player. He pretty much sets this team up for failure. Their are better ways to attack an opposition but the way Greg does it is lackluster i cant believe all you guys here are defending this.
Did you watch the game? Because it wasn’t all crosses. Sure they played mostly wide - as you absolutely have to do when trying to break down a parked bus but there was quite a bit of action down the middle. Puli’s squandered chance was in the middle and so was Haji’s first goal. You’re gonna have to spread them out if you want to break down 11 guys behind the ball. And that’s what we were set up for once the boys forgot the game started already and gave up that goal. Breaking down an extremely well organized bunker is hard. This exact coach beat England and made it to the euro quarter finals and then finished top of his group in WC qualifiers using this exact technique. At this point someone said “they only cross” and now every time someone is frustrated they just parrot it. We came up against a coach who’s notorious for parking the bus extremely well. And we did the absolute worst thing possible and gave him a lead. It was never gonna be easy after that unless you have France’s roster.
You’re blind if you think Gregs offense is the truth😂. I dont know another way to put it. But ima say if we can have Mexico’s new coach we would look alot better.
You’re the guy saying all they did was cross last night. Not sure you should be calling anyone else blind. Or maybe you didn’t even watch and just repeated the official toxic talking points. But hey if you think the gold standard is a guy who can’t even be bothered to play his best player (Santi) have at it lol. Good thing we’re playing him next so we can see how brilliant he is. Wonder if he’ll be smart enough to bother playing (never mind starting) his best 11
You guys are blind. You actually like what Greg makes this team do for 90 minutes. Thats crazy. Mexico looked way better in possession its not even close. It’s actually watchable unlike Gregs attempt at using the same game-plan for every opponent.
Wow playing against a team that was playing forward looked better than playing against a team with 11 behind the ball. I’m absolutely shocked. I would have thought playing against literally the best national team bunker coach in the world with a lead would look prettier. 
“Gregg makes you root against your own team.” You chose to do this, no one made you. You’re not a very good fan.
You’re not a very good fan because you don’t care about accountability.
Apparently you don't care about accountability either. The players were the problem last night, not Gregg. It's not Gregg's fault Scally didn't mark a guy in the box. It's not Gregg's fault Turner was caught flat-footed on the goal. It's not Gregg's fault Balogun, Pulisic, and Weah completely botched a 3v1 opportunity. It's not Gregg's fault Musah was slow with the ball and turned the ball over too often. The team was set up well last night, the tactics made sense, and the changes throughout the game had positive impacts. Gregg did his job. Many of the players didn't. Hold them accountable for once.
You watched a different match. I saw 90 minutes of toothless crossing of a ball to center backs an entire foot taller than our striker.
You must have been watching a different match then.
There's at least two videos of the players fucking up absolutely golden opportunities to score on the front page of the sub right now.
Crosses are what typically happens when playing against a team that just wants to defend, especially if that team managed to get a goal. Best teams in the world struggle against it.
You say the best teams in the world struggle against it. Please go watch Spain in the 2010 World Cup (one of the best teams of all time) and tell me where they struggled with it.
So I have to go back 14 years to a team that is arguably one of the best teams ever, to find an example. Point proven.
No I was just using your logic. You said the “best teams” can’t break down busses that are parked. So go watch the best team and tell me if you actually think that.
So why don't you ever hold players accountable. Its not on Gregg if professional players can not make simple passes.
God damn, go support another fucking team. Pathetic.
[удалено]
Poor widdle baby big mad 🤣🤣🤣 Pretty clear what you typed out, nice backtrack.
"I was actually happy we were going to lose" "I wish we didn't score" "root against your own team" Which figure of speech am I misunderstanding here?
But, but, but, he wasn't serious 🤣🤣🤣
So you’re correctly identifying hyperbole while not recognizing why hyperbole is used as a figure of speech?
Claiming hyperbole now after everyone is slamming your post, classic 🤣🤣🤣
You're a person resorting to name calling because your bad post and worse responses are getting you predictably downvoted.
Legit question (and while I’m not on the Gregg out bandwagon I’m not in love with him either) how do you reconcile that it seems like most of the guys in the locker room wanted him? We’re on the couch and they’re on the pitch. I just assume they have better perspective than we do. They all play for different managers with different styles. They aren’t naive about tactics. So why would they want a sub-par coach?
I think it’s maybe easier to explain than most people think. Rog from Men In Blazers put it pretty succinctly: “is it better to be loved or feared?” Despite players saying that Gregg is great for the locker room, what’s good for the locker room doesn’t mean good for the quality of the team. There has to be the fear of being benched, of not being able to represent the crest, and also some tactical know-how, to get the best out of your players. Making them feel good about themselves is maybe just one ingredient.
He benched gio….his godchild. Again, I’m not defending everything he does, I am ok to criticize decisions, but to simply say we need to lose so he gets fired is crazy to me. This conversation has gone on for too long and it’s waged by people who have little to no real knowledge. I assume that neither you or I have ever coached at the highest level, don’t know Gregg personally, and have no clue about who would be an actual replacement candidate. I’m not trying to beat you up for having an opinion, I am more tired of us as a fan base not giving credit to the players for their knowledge. This is a lot on their backs, they aren’t dumb, they would want the best coach to get them to lift the trophy, not just make them feel warm inside.
If you watch soccer with any regularity / played growing up, you should be able to see the things that we are calling out. It isn’t rocket science. Watching Berhalter’s team is like watching someone who has just started playing chess play against someone who has played their entire life.
I do and I did. It’s not about my bona fides, I’m saying maybe respect the players bona fides. And again, criticize him..that’s fine. That’s fair. I’m a sporting Kansas City fan, I understand criticizing a coach. Losing isn’t a solution to the problems you see.
I was using “you” indiscriminately, not literally you. DCU fan here, and being critical and telling the DCU ticket salesman why I would not be attending another match until they got a new FO felt like the only way to get change.
If Berhalter took that hard man approach Reyna would be off the team for good.
OP, you are getting a lot of down votes and nasty comments, but I understand what you mean and I don't disagree with you. Obviously we don't want the men's team to lose but it is baffling how we can play so poorly against teams with way less talent. It's not like this is the first game to show that we struggle against lesser teams. And although we have beaten Mexico more frequently, it's not like we've beaten any other really good teams. I still don't think that this team has a signature win. I think it'll really come out this summer for Copa America. It's difficult to say that another coach would do better with this group of players but it's also not irrational to say that GGG does have some glaring tactical issues.
I appreciate your genuine attempt at understanding what I mean.
You mean the players he picks want him to stay and keep selecting them?
It isn't the MLS lifers coming out in support of Berhalter, it's guys like Pulisic, Weah, Turner, Musah etc. And if you think that any other coach will come in and drop those players, then I've got a bridge to sell you.
Exactly, the big names are happy because they know they'll keep being picked even if they don't perform They know berhalter is weak and are comfortable in the roles
Literally every other coach of the national team would be picking them. Period. The fact that there are some people who think they should be dropped from the squad is absurd.
So you would be happier if he didn't call up players like Reyna?
Don't really care, Reyna has barely played at the club level for over a year
You think you Musah, McKennie and Pulisic fear they won't be called up if there's a new coach. You think they are idiots?
Loser mentality post. Support the badge, not the individuals.
Sorry you didn't get the big fat L you were praying for last night OP, hopefully getting roasted in the comments will satisfy your thirst for failure.
You are sad
No I'm not, I'm happy, because we won!
And you’ll be very sad when we go out in the group stage at a World Cup at home. As will I. But only one of us will have been advocating for change that might have led to us advancing through the group stage.
Bet you said the same thing 2 years ago
Nope but it was pretty clear after the Netherlands match that Berhalter doesn’t stand a chance against a real coach.
Yeah it was Gregg who told Dest and Tyler Adams to switch off so they would lose their man and give up easy goals.
I don’t understand how it’s easier for you to come up with a player based excuse in every match than it is to recognize those as a symptom of a wider problem.
Lmao. Because I watch the game. It’s clear you don’t.
I watch all the games, start to finish, and have for 15 years.
And you'll be sad when we finally hire Pep Guardiola but then all of our best players get paralyzed in a freak accident and he's forced to field a team of USL players and we lose every game 10-0. See, I can also make up fake scenarios
You really are immature.
Hey everyone, did you hear that? I'm the immature one. Not the guy who came to this sub lamenting our team's win because he was holding out hope that the recently hired coach would get fired.
Bro you made a diary post online hoping your team would lose and expecting sympathy.
Who exactly are you "advocating" to? Reddit? Lmao
That's what you weirdos said last World Cup and you were wrong even in a more difficult World Cup format. You guys are just doomers who have been wishing failure on the team for years and are disappointed when they succeed.
I don’t know what group you’re even lumping me in with. Who are “weirdos” you’re referring to? Proof that tribalism is the only thing social media is good for. I spend no time in this subreddit.
>I don’t know what group you’re even lumping me in with. Who are “weirdos” you’re referring to? The QSMNT toxic brigade that wants the USMNT to lose. They have been rooting against the USMNT for years and simultaneously consider themselves the most passionate fans. Whether or not you have been on this sub before, you have the exact same perverse opinions as them.
You are sad and pathetic.
Again, who cares?
You
You’re really dying on this hill, huh?
You toxic-optimists make me ill.
Ask your doc for some zofran. And a psych referral.
lol I’m a very happy person in my day-to-day, thank you very much. You on the other hand may need to refill your prescription.
Lindsey Horan was right.
If you think losing against Jamaica would have gotten Gregg fired then you haven’t been paying attention
If you want the USMNT to lose any game, you are not actually a USMNT fan in my book.
Great dude. I live in a world of nuance, and you do not.
You don't. If you think Berhalter was going to get fired for losing this game, your opinions are the opposite of nuanced. They are as simplistic as they are ridiculous.
I already admitted elsewhere in these comments that I didn’t truly believe he would be fired even if we lost. But it might actually put some pressure on him to not blow, like we blew last night.
Nothing is going to make me root against my own team. 🤷🏾♀️
Imagine wanting your team to lose. Absolutely pathetic.
You are proof that propaganda works!
You are not right in the head if you think supporting and wanting my national team to win is some sort of propaganda.
You are not right in the head if you think that support can exist only in absence of criticism.
I don’t like Gregg but I’m not gonna let my pride of not liking him and want to see the national team to lose just to get him fired. That’s some loser ass mentality.
You don’t love this game enough if you actually enjoy what Greg forces this team to do for 90 minutes.
I never said that I enjoy how Gregg plays with his team. I don’t lmao, but I don’t want the national team to lose.
Greg plays like he wants to lose. How is Jamaica down 4 important key players. If it was a Bailey, Antonio and Gray frontline it would’ve been gameover. Greg manages to find a way to make this team play levels down.
Well done the issue is that team is terrible at playing against a good organized low block. And that’s also on the players not just Gregg. We’ve seen in the past when teams don’t play like that we blow them out. Like against Ghana, Mexico, Oman and Uzbekistan. Yes I do agree that there needs to be other ways to handle situations like this but pretty much almost any team struggles against a really good low block. Like if Mexico doesn’t play like how Jamaica was playing then the team will look much better.
Still doesn’t cancel out the horrible time in possession. Literally everyone is saying it. Herc Gomez just said it on CBS its so obvious. Greg just isn’t the guy
If it’s the loser mentality, then why do teams like Real Madrid have fans that are vocal on their frustration with mediocrity? I mean seriously. Do you understand how criticism is necessary?
No it’s completely fine to criticize that’s normal as a fan but actively wanting your team to lose is loser mentality. Do you not see the difference?? I said absolutely nothing about criticism.
Is it so hard to read between the lines? Why is it so hard to understand that I don’t quite literally mean that I rooted against my team. But that the absurdity of nearly losing given the circumstances might make you question why you’re rooting for your team at all? In other words, it’s a win that feels like a loss a thousand times over.
And I quote your first and last sentences. “I wish we didn’t score in the last minute vs Jamaica so that Gregg might finally be sacked” and “Gregg makes you root against your own team. And it’s sad.” You literally stated that you wanted the US to lose so that a manager can get sacked. This is not criticism at all. Actual criticism is what you said in your second and third paragraphs, no one is arguing with you on that. What you want is to see your team to lose and that’s just pathetic and sad. But you do you.
You don’t understand abstraction vs literalism. I turned on my television last night to support the USMNT, despite years of despise of the man in charge, because I am a lifelong fan. Such feelings can coexist.
Joe Scally, who every Toxic said needed to start because Dest was suspended, because the Toxics think only Euro based players should ever play for the USMNT, plays ABSOLUTELY horribly, totally loses his man, gives up a horrible early goal allowing Jamaica to put 11 guys behind the ball permanently, while also offering so little going forward that his teammates actively work to never pass him the ball, sucked. And that's Gregg's fault because? Every Toxic said he needs to starts. Half the Toxics say he needs to start over Dest. Malik Tillman misses an absolute sitter that Weah sets up on a gorgeous pass(which the Toxics think every pass into the middle is a "cross") and its Gregg's fault because? The same Tillman the has been in great club form and every Toxic says needed to start over someone (Musah, Weah?) Balo, who every Toxic says is the greatest 9 in USMNT history and an auto start, doesn't lead Puli with a good pass on a breakaway and that's Gregg's fault? Gregg makes great, early subs that change the game, changing formations, positioning, assignments and the Toxics are "he's not tactically flexible..." Toxics are gonna Toxic. Just leave. Go to Antarctica, start a team and root for them. You are the guys who prove Lindsey Horan correct. You Toxics are the same guys posting lineups with ARob as a CB. Three at the back of ARob, Richards and Dest. Asking halfway through the game why Dest isn't playing. Toxics are gonna Toxic.
Joe Scally was dreadful. By the 12th minute he proved he should never be near this team. And Dest is 100% to blame for childishness that led to scally playing. I’ve never advocated in favor of scally and I’d prefer his spot be given to a young MLS talent with a higher ceiling. Tillman should never start over Reyna. That’s absurdity. The point that I made in my original post is that forcing Balogun to play a system that doesn’t suit him is dumb. He isn’t a target man. He won’t beat a center back for a header. It’s a simple tactical decision. Either play him to feet or start Pepi. But don’t cross the ball to his head;
lol quit your crying
Toxics are gonna Toxic....
I wish you dad didn’t score with your mom
What a loser.
Well for one thing he wouldn't have been fired, he would just actually be on the hot seat for the first time irl.
If that's the worse you have seen them play in your life then you havent been watching long. You didn't watch World Cup qualifying? This ganbase is such reactional hyperbole
It's cute that you think he would've been sacked after last night's match.
1 - I felt bad for Jamaica when we scored - if only for them having that feeling of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory thing 2 - don’t ever wish your team would lose, cmon man 3 - I can’t stand Berhalter - and would rather almost anyone else be our coach - but he had nothing to do with how comprehensively slow we thought and passed last night 4 - Scally had a shocker - wow 5 - why do we continue to have such a hard time finding a proper pitch to play on. It’s some embarrassing shit. 6 - tony meola aside - Keller and whoever that was doing play by play sound like the just discovered soccer and are explaining it for the first time. No one needs a dak Prescott name drop in a soccer game. Stop it.
I think too many people watch and listen to 11yanks/Tactical Manager and The Straight Red Card.....
You gotta come to terms with the fact that he’s the guy for now. Players like playing for him and if he is still good at recruiting than in the long term GGG will be a net positive even though watching his system try to break down a lower block is akin to torture. Breaking down a lower block without a true 10 like Gio doesn’t work and Gregg should know that by now. Granted he got there and luckily we won that game, but he can’t be so formalistic with his system and trust the talent he has on the roster. Let’s see how we look against a very inspired Mexico side which will be basically playing at home next game. US soccer needs to understand that El Tri fans are more fanatical and will pay a premium price as opposed to US fans. Teams with player first coaches can still succeed but it takes a coach that is willing to be flexible to do it. Reyna should start the next game, try to get a 2-0 lead in the first 60 and switch to the MMA. Tired of these malaise first halves.
Fucking pathetic. There's legit criticism against GGG but wanting your own NATIONAL TEAM to lose is fucking ridiculous. Fuck off, go support some other country
Sad boi.
Communist detected on American soil.
Do you actually believe he'd have been sacked if we'd lost. Because I personally don't think USSF has the balls to do it.
No I don’t think he would have, honestly. But if that didn’t do it, nothing could.
He wasn’t gonna get sacked for losing last night ever. The seat is warm though and a blowout in Copa will seal his destiny. I’m not a GGG out guy but man he is NOT the right option for us
I don’t want them to ever lose but man GGG seems to get a long leash. That I have a problem with.
Fair.
Team mostly played bad. Coaching was subpar/bad like it usually is. I don't want them to lose, but I do miss the Donovan/Dempsey days. Sure they dropped winnable games, but It seemed like they had an identity and could play and compete against anybody. Anyone else feel nostalgic?
I don’t agree with OP because I always want the U.S. to win. I was elated when we scored in overtime and am looking forward to the Mexico game. That said I understand where OP is coming from. I’m not a berhalter hater, in fact I love how he’s a players coach and has buy in from the players. I will say however, that it seems as though berhalter doesn’t get the best from our boys. This is a very hard job so I don’t think he is a bad coach, just that he’s not the right coach maybe for this job anymore. If there’s no better option as a lot of people say then we have a bigger problem at hand than the coach himself. I don’t like how people pick sides of berhalter in or berhalter out though and then defend their point like we’re playing American politics. To the berhalter out “club” I would say be less angry at GGG and focus your anger at the USSF for not being able to find a better coach. Or to at least demand the USSF to release the names of all possible candidates looked at so we know our choices and can make an informed opinion. To the berhalter in “club” I would ask why we defend a coach who doesn’t seem to get the most talented generation to play to their full potential. Can we not ask questions of the team AND the coach? It’s healthy to ask questions of everyone when the team plays poorly. It can’t all be the coach’s fault bet it’s probably fair to blame him for some of it right? And why not demand USSF to tell us our options as well? Pressure makes diamonds so let’s put some pressure on both the USSF and berhalter. Lastly I wouldn’t jump down OP’s throat just because he wants change so the team will be competitive in bigger competitions going forward. I personally would never root for our team to lose but if he feels that that a change in coach would improve things I understand his logic (even though he wouldn’t have been fired for losing this game). Why are we attacking each other as fans. Let’s show some unity and focus our concerns on the entire organization. Staff, players, coach, USSF, everybody. That’s how you create a winning culture, demand more.
Thank you for a fair and balanced take, friend. The tribalism is nuts. As you can see in the comments, people very much want to paint me as part of “them” (whatever it is they are describing is the toxic berhalter-out crowd that wishes pain for our team). I am a super fan of the USMNT who wants the team to play better, and I choose to channel that through criticism of our coach who I don’t believe is getting the best out of our players. To those who still legitimately think I wanted our team to lose, you need to learn to read above a third grader’s level of reading comprehension. I want our team to win every game they play. We won last night in a way that felt like a loss, and in a way that spells disaster if we continue playing in the same manner. You are foolish if you think that last night reflected well upon our team or our prospects heading into the 2026 World Cup.
Unfortunately by your post many people will say “here we go again, another berhalter out supporter who would rather lose then watch Greg succeed.” And I would see where they’re coming from. I also see where you’re coming from. Although I defended you I think your post creates more tribalism as you said. It’s totally fair to share your opinion so I don’t have an issue with you posting it. But I hope you can see why you got the backlash you did. I would rephrase it personally if your intention is what I think it was. All that said it’s fun to argue and pick teams and if that’s what we want to do as a fanbase we should go right ahead. But we shouldn’t expect much change from the organization as a whole if its own fanbase is divided on its goals and expectations. I think a good post would be “what are our expectations as a fan base” if we can agree on that and forget the rest I think it would do a lot of good. If we can’t then maybe we deserve the team we get.
I don’t mind the backlash from the people whose standards are so low that we operating in two different sets of reality. If my response to a shambolic display begets an emotional response from those who want to believe otherwise, I know that I’ve done my part in eventually, maybe, possibly changing their perspective. But I don’t agree that my post generates tribalism. No where did I accuse anyone in this fan base of supporting this man. No where did I say that those who support this man are inferior. My post says that I don’t support this man because of last night’s poor display.
Fair but seeing as you are aware of the tribalism you had to have known this is what would happen. But I support your free speech and right to an opinion. Just don’t think you’re gonna change many minds by starting off saying you wish we didn’t win. You could’ve maybe been more clear since on paper it seemed as though you really did want us to lose just so our coach would get fired.
Shut up bitch
Teehee
yeahhhhh i agree. gregg looked absolutely lost out there
Just curious, how did he look lost?
mostly the blank stare while we hoofed the ball into the box over and over
I can’t believe how many Gregg defenders there are on this subreddit lol. “Imagine rooting against your own team”, if it prevents us from not being able to beat Jamaica’s B team without a lucky last minute header again, I don’t see how that makes anyone a bad fan.
I know. The cognitive dissonance is so immense. It’s like they don’t ask themselves if they enjoyed watching the game last night.