Gio Reyna launches fierce defence of Gregg Berhalter and USMNT coaching staff after nightmare Copa America campaign

Fingers of blame have been pointed in the direction of Berhalter and his coaching team on the back of a group stage exit from a major international tournament on home soil. The positivity generated by an opening win over Bolivia was quickly countered by defeats to Panama and Uruguay.

The USMNT have plenty of excuses – including a reckless red card for Tim Weah and some questionable refereeing performances – but the truth is that they did not do enough across three games to reach the knockout stages, with unwanted history being made in the process.

Some are suggesting that Berhalter now faces a fight to keep his job, but Reyna believes underperforming players should shoulder responsibility for a collective fluffing of lines. He told reporters on the back of a 1-0 loss to Uruguay: “I don't think this tournament really had anything to do with the staff or the tactics or the way we play. I think it was more individual mistakes. The staff can only do so much…. at the end of the day, the players didn't do enough to go through.”

While the USMNT were hoping to put on a show in Copa America action, they have never shied away from the fact that focus is locked further down the line at a World Cup finals that will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico in 2026.