Opinion: USMNT friendlies overshadowed by Berhalter probe and Reyna's antics
Opinion: USMNT friendlies overshadowed by Berhalter probe and Reyna's antics
The ongoing investigation and Reyna's goal celebration keeps the scandal alive
This should be a piece about the USMNT’s upcoming friendlies against Serbia and Colombia.
It should be about the returning World Cup veterans and newcomers like defender Julian Gressel looking for that first U.S. cap.
Instead, here we are continuing to have to deal with the ongoing Gregg Berhalter-Gio Reyna family mess that’s taking place in the background like an annoying buzzing sound.
The latest chapter in this ongoing soap opera includes ESPN’s report from last week that Brian McBride is out as the team’s general manager. Reyna’s winning goal on Sunday in Borussia Dortmund’s thrilling 4-3 win against Augsburg in his first competitive match since the World Cup only compounded the problem.
McBride’s ousting (no reason has been given) may be just the start of the fallout that will come as the review of Berhalter’s situation continues. Berhalter remains a candidate to return as U.S. manager — but the fallout from the much-publicized dispute involving the manager and Reyna family makes it increasingly unlikely.
Gio’s parents, Claudio and Danielle Reyna, upset at their son’s lack of playing time at the World Cup phoned U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Earnie Stewart to voice their anger. In doing so, Danielle told Stewart about a 1991 domestic violence incident in which Berhalter kicked his now-wife Rosalind.
The saga came to the forefront once again with the return of the Bundesliga this past weekend.
It’s true that Reyna’s goal was amazing, but his celebration only added fuel to this ongoing fire. The 20-year-old striker marked the goal with a series of gestures that appeared to address his feeling about the scandal.
After the goal, Reyna placed his finger to his lips as to silence his critics, then opened and closed his right hand in a chattering motion. He also cupped his right hand to his hear, then stuck his fingers into both ears with his index fingers as the crowd cheered.
Reyna’s immaturity aside, U.S. Soccer has to hope that this probe concludes quickly. For now, assistant coach Anthony Hudson will serve as interim manager for the team’s next two games.
The CONCACAF Nations League returns in March and this summer’s Gold Cup means that the USMNT has a busy year ahead. No manager, as the team prepares for the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup, is not a good look for a country that will be co-hosting the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico.
January camp in suburban Los Angeles officially got underway on Saturday. In a news conference, Hudson was put in the uncomfortable position to have to field questions about the situation.
“There’s no coaching course or anything, really, to guide you in moments like this,” he said. “This is a really different situation. Irrespective of the circumstance, I also have a job to do. I have a responsibility to help these players have a good camp, good experience. I’m kind of just putting myself to the side, really, and doing what I think is the right thing.”
Hudson also said he is solely focused on the next two games. The USMNT plays Serbia on Wednesday three days later against Colombia.
“Look, it’s been different for me. My role for a long time has been assistant coach, so I tend not to get into the outside noise and controversy,” he said. “This might not sound believable, but I can assure you in my case right now that I’m literally not focused on anything other than the next two games.”
U.S. fans will also need to try and focus on the next two games. It won’t be easy.