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Gregg Berhalter

Gregg Matthew Berhalter (/ˈbɜːrˌhɔːltər/, BUR-hawl-tər;[2] born August 1, 1973) is an American soccer coach and former player. He is the incoming head coach and director of football for Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire, a role he will assume following the end of the 2024 season. He was most recently the head coach of the United States men's national soccer team.[3] He is the first person in United States history to participate in the FIFA World Cup as both a player and head coach. His tenure as coach has been noted for the recruitment of a younger player roster.

Gregg Berhalter
Berhalter in 2019
Personal information
Full name Gregg Matthew Berhalter[1]
Date of birth (1973-08-01) August 1, 1973 (age 51)
Place of birth Englewood, New Jersey, U.S.
Height 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Position(s) Center-back
Team information
Current team
 Chicago Fire (head coach)
College career
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1991–1994 North Carolina Tar Heels
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1993 Raleigh Flyers
1994–1996 Zwolle 37 (2)
1996–1998 Sparta Rotterdam 10 (0)
1998–2000 Cambuur 56 (2)
2001–2002 Crystal Palace 19 (1)
2002–2006 Energie Cottbus 111 (9)
2006–2009 1860 Munich 73 (8)
2009–2011 LA Galaxy 52 (0)
Total 358 (22)
International career
1993 United States U20 4 (0)
1994–2006 United States 44 (0)
Managerial career
2011 LA Galaxy (assistant)
2011–2013 Hammarby
2013–2018 Columbus Crew
2018–2022 United States
2023–2024 United States
2025– Chicago Fire
Medal record
Men's Soccer
Representing  United States (as player)
Runner-up CONCACAF Gold Cup 1998
Third place FIFA Confederations Cup 1999
Representing  United States (as manager)
CONCACAF Gold Cup
Winner 2021
Runner-up 2019
CONCACAF Nations League
Winner 2021
Winner 2024
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

He originally served in the role from 2018 to 2022; following the expiration of his contract, U.S. Soccer employed interim head coaches before rehiring him to the post on June 16, 2023. His tenure with United States men's national team ended a week after the team's early elimination in the 2024 Copa América group stage, as the team's performance in the tournament they hosted was perceived as a disappointment.[4] Berhalter previously coached Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer, Hammarby in Sweden and served as an assistant coach for LA Galaxy.

Playing career

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Early life and education

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Gregg Matthew Berhalter was born on August 1, 1973, in Englewood, New Jersey, and grew up in Tenafly, New Jersey,[5] and was a high school teammate of Claudio Reyna at Saint Benedict's Preparatory School in Newark, New Jersey.[6] He played college soccer for the North Carolina Tar Heels at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.[6] In 2002, he was ranked as one of the top 50 players in the history of the Atlantic Coast Conference.[7] In 1993, he spent the collegiate off season playing for the Raleigh Flyers of the USISL.[8] Berhalter is the godson of Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame baseball player Carl Yastrzemski.[9]

Professional

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Berhalter with 1860 Munich in 2007

Berhalter left UNC after his junior year, signing with Dutch club Zwolle in 1994. He later played for Sparta Rotterdam and Cambuur in the Netherlands (later they also had U.S.-born executive Alex Pama there), and with Crystal Palace in England (where he briefly played alongside Jovan Kirovski). During his time at Crystal Palace, he scored once against Bradford City.[10]

In 2002, Berhalter signed with Energie Cottbus of the German Bundesliga. He went on to make 111 league appearances with the team, captaining them to a promotion back to the Bundesliga. In 2006, Berhalter signed with 1860 Munich of the 2. Bundesliga, and was named captain of the team. He stayed there for a further two and a half years, making 73 league appearances for Die Löwen.

After a 15-year career in Europe, Berhalter moved back to the United States in April 2009. He signed a contract with Major League Soccer, his first club contract in his home country. He was revealed as a Los Angeles Galaxy player on April 3, 2009.[11] In his first season with the Galaxy, their goals against were cut in half—from 61 to 30—with Berhalter being a leader in defense while mentoring Omar Gonzalez to Rookie of the Year honors.

On November 14, 2009, he scored in the 103rd minute of the scoreless Western Conference final, propelling the Galaxy to a 2–0 win over the Houston Dynamo and into the 2009 MLS Cup. It was his first goal in 28 appearances with the club.[12]

In his second season, the Galaxy won the MLS Supporters Shield and further reduced their goals against to 26 for the season, a Galaxy record.

On October 12, 2011, Berhalter announced his decision to retire at the end of the 2011 MLS season.[13] In 2011, LA Galaxy won both the Supporters Shield and MLS Cup in Berhalter's final season.[14]

International

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Berhalter earned his first cap for the U.S. national team on October 15, 1994, against Saudi Arabia.[15] He went on to play at the 1995 Copa América and the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup.[7]

Berhalter played a significant role for the U.S. at the 2002 World Cup, stepping in for the injured Jeff Agoos and starting the last two games against Mexico and Germany, and in doing so became the first Crystal Palace player to play in a World Cup match.[15][16]

On May 25, 2006, Berhalter was added to the U.S. national team's roster for the 2006 World Cup, replacing the injured Cory Gibbs. Berhalter expressed confidence in the ability of the team in the run up to the tournament,[17] but was an unused substitute in all three group games. The U.S. was eliminated after finishing at the bottom of Group E in the first round with one draw and two defeats.

Coaching career

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Hammarby

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Following a season as Los Angeles Galaxy's assistant coach, Berhalter was named head coach for Swedish club Hammarby on December 12, 2011.[18] Berhalter became the first American-born manager to manage a professional team in Europe.[19] In his first year, Hammarby improved seven positions in the standing, narrowly missing out on promotion. Berhalter was fired on July 24, 2013, for a "lack of attacking play".[20] Hammarby were in fifth place at the time of the sacking.[21]

Columbus Crew

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Berhalter became the sporting director and head coach of Columbus Crew on November 6, 2013.[22]

Under Berhalter, Columbus Crew qualified for the playoffs four out of five years, in 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2018. They reached the MLS Cup 2015 but lost at home 2–1 to the Portland Timbers.

United States

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On December 2, 2018, Berhalter became the head coach of the United States national team (USMNT).[23] He earned his first victory as coach in a friendly match against Panama on January 27, 2019.[24] Berhalter won the first four games of his coaching career.[25] He coached the United States to two continental championships by winning the inaugural Nations League title against Mexico in June 2021, and then defeating Mexico again 1–0 on August 1, 2021, at the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup. On November 12, 2021, Berhalter led the United States to a 2–0 victory over rival Mexico in World Cup Qualifying at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. The team subsequently qualified for and reached the round of 16 in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.[26] This made Berhalter the first American in history to participate in the FIFA World Cup as both a head coach and a player.[27]

As coach of the USMNT, Berhalter has built a roster of young players including Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, Yunus Musah, Folarin Balogun, Sergiño Dest, Antonee Robinson and Weston McKennie.[28] Sportswriters such as Sports Illustrated's Brian Straus, The Guardian's Nancy Armour and The Athletic's Paul Tenorio have described this as part of an overarching strategy to develop a pool of young soccer talent in the United States in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.[29][30][31] Berhalter is also credited with developing a stronger team culture in the USMNT.[32][33] He prefers to use a possession-based play style with a 4-3-3 formation, which has gradually adapted into a more aggressive, forward-moving style of play over the course of his tenure.[25][28]

Berhalter's contract expired on December 31, 2022, with assistant Anthony Hudson named interim head coach while a search for a permanent replacement commenced. Hudson remained in charge through May 2023 before leaving to become the head coach of Al-Markhiya in Qatar; he was replaced by fellow assistant B.J. Callaghan.[34]

On June 16, 2023, U.S. Soccer announced that Berhalter would return as the head coach of the United States through the 2026 FIFA World Cup.[35] Sporting director Matt Crocker cited Berhalter's "vision, as well as the experience and growth mindset on and off the field to move [the] team forward" as the U.S. prepares to host the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and Canada.[36]

On July 10, 2024, Berhalter was relieved of his duties as the US men's national team head coach after the early exit in the 2024 Copa America group stage. He led the team to a 44–17–13 record and titles in the Nations League and Gold Cup.[37]

Chicago Fire

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On October 8, 2024, Berhalter was named head coach and director of football for MLS club Chicago Fire FC starting from the 2025 season.[38][39]

Personal life

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Berhalter lives in the Lake View neighborhood of Chicago with his wife Rosalind, with whom he has four children.[40][41] One of his sons, Sebastian, plays for the Vancouver Whitecaps.[42]

In March 2023, an investigation by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) found that Claudio Reyna and his wife Danielle had attempted to retaliate against Berhalter because their son Giovanni was receiving limited playing time at the 2022 World Cup.[43][44] The Reynas were also frustrated by comments made after the Cup about the poor behavior of an anonymous player, who was later revealed to be Giovanni.[45] Danielle Reyna attempted to damage Berhalter's career by contacting USSF sporting director Earnie Stewart and USMNT general manager Brian McBride about a fight between Berhalter and his future wife in 1992.[46][47] A USSF probe into the claim found that it was an isolated incident and found no reason not to employ Berhalter as coach.[48]

Coaching statistics

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As of match played July 1, 2024[49]
Coaching record by team and tenure
Team Nat From To Record
G W D L GF GA GD Win %
Hammarby   December 12, 2011 July 24, 2013 46 18 17 11 53 44 +9 039.13
Columbus Crew   November 6, 2013 December 2, 2018 193 74 49 70 287 282 +5 038.34
United States   December 2, 2018 December 31, 2022 60 37 12 11 118 40 +78 061.67
United States   August 1, 2023 July 10, 2024 14 7 1 6 26 16 +10 050.00
Chicago Fire   January 1, 2025 0 0 0 0 0 0 +0 !—
Total 313 136 79 98 484 382 +102 043.45

Honors

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Player

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Los Angeles Galaxy

Coach

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United States

References

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  1. ^ "United States Soccer Federation". FIFA. Archived from the original on July 20, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022.
  2. ^ 10 Things USMNT Coach Gregg Berhalter Can't Love Without. GQ Sports. November 10, 2022. Retrieved December 25, 2023 – via YouTube.
  3. ^ "Gregg Berhalter Chosen To Lead U.S. Men's National Team To 2026 FIFA World Cup | U.S. Soccer Official Website". USSoccer.com. June 16, 2023. Archived from the original on July 16, 2024. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
  4. ^ Carlisle, Jeff (July 10, 2024). "Berhalter fired as USMNT coach after Copa failure". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on July 17, 2024. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
  5. ^ Bell, Jack (May 31, 2000). "SOCCER: NOTEBOOK; An American Defender Gets His Ticket Home". The New York Times. Retrieved November 26, 2007.
  6. ^ a b "Gregg Berhalter". U.S. Soccer. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved November 26, 2007.
  7. ^ a b mlssoccer. "Gregg Berhalter | MLSsoccer.com". mlssoccer. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
  8. ^ "Berhalter returns as Flyers face Eagles". The News & Observer. May 22, 1993.
  9. ^ "GREGG BERHALTER – USMNT". US Soccer Players. April 2, 2008. Retrieved October 12, 2017.
  10. ^ "Bradford 1-2 C Palace". BBC. December 29, 2001. Retrieved December 28, 2010.
  11. ^ "Galaxy sign veteran defender Berhalter". LA Galaxy. April 3, 2009. Archived from the original on March 21, 2020. Retrieved June 16, 2013.
  12. ^ "Galaxy 2, Houston 0 (ot) Overtime win puts Galaxy in MLS final". LA Times. November 14, 2009. Retrieved October 30, 2010.
  13. ^ "LA's Berhalter announces retirement after lengthy career". mlssoccer.com. October 12, 2011. Archived from the original on May 9, 2013. Retrieved December 27, 2011.
  14. ^ lagalaxy. "Gregg Berhalter named head coach at Hammarby | LA Galaxy". lagalaxy. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
  15. ^ a b "Five Things to Know About U.S. MNT Head Coach Gregg Berhalter". www.ussoccer.com. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
  16. ^ "Greatest Sports What Ifs". SI.com. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
  17. ^ "Czechs and balances: US foe able, aching". The Boston Globe. June 12, 2006. Retrieved October 30, 2010.
  18. ^ "Gregg Berhalter to coach in Sweden". ESPN. Associated Press. December 12, 2011. Retrieved January 30, 2014.
  19. ^ Shore, Phil. "Gregg Berhalter Is First American to Coach Professional Soccer in Europe". Bleacher Report. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
  20. ^ Seltzer, Greg (July 23, 2013). "American Exports: Hammarby fire Gregg Berhalter as manager, citing team's lack of attacking play". Major League Soccer. Archived from the original on January 31, 2014. Retrieved January 30, 2014.
  21. ^ "Sweden » Superettan 2013 » 15. Round". World Football. Retrieved November 22, 2017.
  22. ^ "Former Galaxy player-coach Gregg Berhalter named Columbus manager". Los Angeles Times. November 6, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2014.
  23. ^ "Gregg Berhalter Named Head Coach of U.S. Men's National Team".
  24. ^ "U.S. beats Panama as Gregg Berhalter wins debut match as manager". ESPN. Reuters. January 27, 2019. Retrieved June 6, 2020.
  25. ^ a b "Who is USA soccer coach Gregg Berhalter? Meet the USMNT manager for FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar". www.sportingnews.com. September 8, 2022. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
  26. ^ Keh, Andrew (June 16, 2023). "Gregg Berhalter Rehired as U.S. Men's Coach". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
  27. ^ Kim, Juliana (June 17, 2023). "Berhalter rehired as U.S. Soccer coach after controversy involving a player's family". NPR.
  28. ^ a b Keh, Andrew (November 20, 2022). "How Gregg Berhalter Made the U.S. Team His Own". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  29. ^ "USMNT's World Cup team is historically young, high on chemistry - Sports Illustrated". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  30. ^ Stejskal, Paul Tenorio and Sam. "What next for Gregg Berhalter and the USMNT?". The New York Times. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  31. ^ "Like it or not, bringing Gregg Berhalter back makes sense for U.S. men's soccer team". USA TODAY. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  32. ^ "Like it or not, bringing Gregg Berhalter back makes sense for U.S. men's soccer team". USA TODAY. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
  33. ^ Schaerlaeckens, Leander (August 2, 2021). "Gregg Berhalter's Plan for American Men's Soccer Is Working". The Ringer. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
  34. ^ "Anthony Hudson Leaves USMNT, BJ Callaghan Named Interim Manager - Sports Illustrated". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
  35. ^ "Gregg Berhalter Chosen To Lead U.S. Men's National Team To 2026 FIFA World Cup | U.S. Soccer Official Website". www.ussoccer.com. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
  36. ^ "U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Explains 2026 World Cup Coaching Decision - Sports Illustrated". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
  37. ^ Goff, Steven (July 10, 2024). "Gregg Berhalter out as U.S. men's national team coach after Copa América flop". The Washington Post. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  38. ^ Tenorio, Paul (October 8, 2024). "Former USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter named director of football, head coach of Chicago Fire: Sources". The Athletic. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  39. ^ "Chicago Fire FC Appoints Gregg Berhalter as Director of Football and Head Coach" (Press release). Chicago Fire. October 8, 2024. Retrieved October 8, 2024.{{cite press release}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  40. ^ Goldsborough, Bob (July 11, 2019). "U.S. men's soccer coach Gregg Berhalter buys contemporary mansion in Southport Corridor for $2.61 million". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved July 11, 2020.
  41. ^ "An Exacting Man: Columbus Crew Coach Gregg Berhalter". Columbus Monthly. April 4, 2014. Retrieved July 11, 2020.
  42. ^ Baer, Benjamin (January 17, 2020). "Columbus Crew SC sign Sebastian Berhalter, Gregg's son, to Homegrown deal". MLSsoccer.com. Retrieved July 11, 2020.
  43. ^ "Berhalter's back: How U.S. Soccer's strange coaching search played out". ESPN.com. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
  44. ^ Macur, Juliet (March 13, 2023). "Investigators Clear U.S. Soccer Coach in 1992 Incident". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
  45. ^ "Gio Reyna's mother gave USSF Berhalter info". ESPN.com. January 4, 2023. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
  46. ^ "Berhalter-Reyna explained: Drama's roots in U.S.'s overbearing parents". ESPN.com. January 12, 2023. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
  47. ^ Agencies (January 3, 2023). "USA coach Gregg Berhalter admits to kicking future wife in 1991 incident". the Guardian. Retrieved January 3, 2023.
  48. ^ Tenorio, Paul. "USSF's Gregg Berhalter investigation explained: Findings, Reynas' involvement, what's next". The New York Times. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
  49. ^ "Gregg Berhalter career sheet". footballdatabase. Retrieved February 3, 2021.
  50. ^ "Christian Pulisic, Ethan Horvath lead U.S. over Mexico in Nations League final". ESPN. June 6, 2021. Retrieved April 25, 2023.
  51. ^ "Adams Reyna on target as United States complete three peat". CONCACAF. March 25, 2024. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
  52. ^ "United States beats Mexico in Gold Cup final on late Miles Robinson header". ESPN. August 1, 2021. Retrieved April 25, 2023.
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