Embarrassing, disappointing, frustrating: USA knocked out of Copa America 2024

What an embarrassing, disappointing and frustrating night in U.S. Men's National Team history.

USA lost 1-0 to Uruguay in its Copa America 2024 group stage finale putting an end to what was supposed to be a showcase of the team's growth and potential before hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Instead, fans are left wondering what to expect from this team in two years, what's the overall direction, how they get better and rally around this generation.

Before even analyzing the game, let's get one thing clear from the jump: Uruguay is a better team than USA. We'll get into refereeing and VAR, but that statement was true coming in and reinforced after the final whistle. The Stars and Stripes had their work cut out for them, and I'm sure the team expected to have knockout stage qualification secured before facing La Celeste. Unfortunately, USA put itself in a hole having to win this game (or hope for a Bolivia result) by losing to Panama.

For a nation that has not beaten a top 15 ranked team outside of Mexico under Gregg Berhalter, it was always going to be a tough mountain to climb in 90 minutes.

Referee Kevin Ortega was highlighted from jump street and became a narrative throughout the night. Certain decisions, Ortega oddly appearing to refuse to shake Pulisic's hand at the end of the game, Alexi Lalas going at the referee at half-time, John Strong highlighting his inexperience, everything contributed to the referee becoming a talking point.

In parts, USA held its own. The team looked dangerous in some areas, disjointed in others. Losing Folarin Balogun and Joe Scally during the game didn't help. Still, when you look at this team what is its directive in game? Are you defensively resilient and hard to break down? Are you dominating possession and creating chances? USA was sometimes one, sometimes the other this summer. What is this team's identity?

Conceding a set piece goal, right after Berhalter relayed to the team it was 1-1 in the Bolivia/Panama match is just comical. Soccer, football, whatever you call it can be a cruel game, but sometimes you just have to laugh at the hand you're dealt. Not only was the goal a dagger in USA's chances, but everything started to come apart at the seams.

Next, the VAR decision on Mathias Olivera's goal. Immediately, broadcast imagery looked like Olivera was offside and the goal wouldn't stand. Then, the goal stood and all hell broke loose. Discussions of being robbed, controversy and the like. Talk of the line being subjective, not straight, no semi-automated offsides.

Don't get it twisted, VAR and referees are usually a talking point in games. Every controversial decision in a game is dissected by pundits and fans on social media. Last night wasn't the first time it's ever happened, and it won't be the last. They aren't immune to criticism, but they are not the sole reasons USA lost on the night.

But, one thing is clear: time's up on Berhalter. It's time for a fresh face with new ideas. This path they're on with 2026 rapidly approaching shows no signs of improvement or hope.

Where does USMNT go next after a disappointing Copa America 2024?

Lalas correctly highlighted this 'golden generation' has been given more opportunities, but this team cannot come into the World Cup looking like it hasn't "progressed, evolved, and improved." Not to mention, this summer was going to be the best litmus test for USA starting with the game against Uruguay. A test to see how far the team has come before heading to the knockout stage to likely face Colombia or Brazil. Instead, USA failed to do its job against Panama and put itself in a tough position against one of the tournament favorites.

Does that lie with this group of players being overrated, or is the manager not good enough? Overrating the player pool is a discussion worth having, but there isn't a discussion to have about this team's identity because the team doesn't have one.

USMNT needs a manager that can install a style of play in two years, the federation has to get this coaching search right. Otherwise, the World Cup will be this summer rehashed on a larger stage.

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