Ex-USMNT player Alexi Lalas says Gregg Berhalter 'owes it to American Soccer' to perform well at the 2024 Copa America

In his State of the Union Podcast, Lalas - dressed up as Santa Claus - revealed he believes Gregg Berhalter has received a unique chance from U.S. Soccer and "owes" it to fans and players to perform well at Copa America 2024. The USMNT's group in the summer tournament will consist of Uruguay, Panama and Bolivia.

In the clip posted on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, Lalas reveals that he believes Berhalter has been given "multiple chances" and now needs to deliver on the trust of U.S. Soccer. The USMNT boss is on his second stint as manager, after a brief hiatus due to a USSF investigation last Winter. The Copa America 2024 starts in June.

Lalas played for the USMNT in the 1994 and 1998 World Cup, but failed to make an appearance in the latter, with his final cap coming that year.

The USMNT have scheduled an international friendly with Slovenia on January 20, before March brings about the Concacaf Nations League semifinals.