Jesse Marsch steals the show at Copa América with CANMNT and unmasks Berhalter

Jesse Marsch put on quite a show with the Canadian national team at the Copa América, and it’s not going unnoticed. With a team full of Major League Soccer (MLS) players, he has managed to lead Canada to the semifinals of the tournament, something few expected. And it is impossible not to compare this success with the lukewarm performance of the USMNT under the leadership of Gregg Berhalter.

The irony couldn’t be greater. With players from the MLS, Marsch is showing the world how to get the best out of these athletes. And let’s not forget that Canada wasn’t even considered a favorite. But with an efficient strategy and captivating football, he achieved what many thought was impossible: eliminating strong teams and advancing to the semi-finals of the Copa América against Argentina, the current world champion. Who would have thought that Concacaf would have such a solid representative in the Copa América?

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Meanwhile, Berhalter and the USMNT are struggling to find their rhythm. Expectations were high, but results have been disappointing. The burning question is: Was it a colossal mistake to rehire Berhalter? I think so. After all, Marsch is working wonders with Canada, but the US is rudderless and trying to justify the disappointing performances of several players on European teams.

Marsch’s success also brings up an interesting discussion about the quality of MLS. Both Venezuela and Canada have made extensive use of MLS talent, proving that there is indeed huge potential to tap into. Marsch’s innovative and motivating approach has turned ordinary players into true warriors on the field. And that’s no small feat.

Berhalter seems stuck in an outdated approach, unable to get the best out of his players. With every game, the frustration grows. And as American fans watch Canada advance, the feeling that they could be in a similar position with different leadership grows stronger. March rises with every Canadian victory, putting Berhalter in an increasingly uncomfortable position.

And if Gregg Berhalter were to be fired, where would he turn? The MLS, with several coaching vacancies, could be an option. Teams like Atlanta, Dallas, San Jose, St. Louis and possibly Austin may have their eyes on him. But is he really the best choice? The legacy of his decisions with the U.S. national team will certainly weigh in on future negotiations.

Canada’s success also prompts deep reflection on the choices made by US Soccer. Would a coach like Marsh have achieved better results with the current USMNT squad? The Copa América has brought this question to the forefront in a compelling way. Canada, a team that previously struggled to qualify, is now one step away from playing in the final, on American soil. The irony is palpable, and comparisons with the US journey are inevitable.

Frustration with Berhalter turns into fervent support for Canada. The logic is simple: the better Canada does, the worse Berhalter will look. And this is a reality that is hard to ignore.

Jesse Marsch has more significant wins with Canada in a few games than Berhalter has with the USMNT in several competitions. That speaks volumes about a coach’s ability to make a difference. Marsch has given the Canadians new hope, something Berhalter has not been able to do for the Americans. And that undoubtedly puts US Soccer in a difficult position.

In my opinion, the decision to re-hire Berhalter was a fatal mistake. The Copa América brutally exposed the limitations of this choice.