Numbers define the coaching and playoff shifts in MLS
The Columbus Crew ended their postseason run with a 3-0 loss to the New York Red Bulls, while Toronto FC enters the playoffs with +800 odds. USSF faces significant financial decisions regarding coaching budgets following Gregg Berhalter's $2,291,136 salary in 2022.
Columbus Crew postseason exit
The Columbus Crew lost 3-0 to the New York Red Bulls in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, ending the postseason run for a team that finished fifth in the conference with a 14-11-9 record. Gregg Berhalter, who managed the Crew for five seasons and reached the MLS Cup final in 2015, now faces an uncertain future with the USMNT. His tenure with the national team includes 44 wins, 17 losses, and 13 draws. During the 2024 Copa America, the team managed only three goals in three games and ended with a 1-0 loss to Uruguay. The Red Bulls’ victory highlights a season where the Crew’s defense allowed 43 goals. Diego Rossi led the Crew with 6 goals and 1 assist in 15 appearances. Dylan Chambost provided 7 assists in 29 matches. Taha Habroune recorded 5 goals and 3 assists in 32 games, while Wessam Abou Ali provided 5 goals and 1 assist in 7 appearances. Mohamed Farsi recorded 2 goals and 6 assists in 21 games, and Patrick Schulte played 2,970 minutes across 33 appearances, recording 8 clean sheets but conceding 49 goals. The Crew utilized 33 players across 33 games to complete their season. Berhalter, who led the Crew to the playoffs in four of his five seasons, faces a difficult transition as the USMNT seeks new leadership. Chris Armas, the Red Bulls head coach, called Berhalter a "student of the game" who makes preparation difficult. Berhalter, who was the first American to coach the national team after playing for the U.S. at a World Cup, must now weigh his club history against his international struggles.
Toronto FC playoff math
Toronto FC enters the playoffs with +800 odds after they finished the regular season with 9 wins, 12 draws, and 12 losses while sitting three points behind the Philadelphia Union. The club currently holds 39 points and a goal difference of -12, having scored 51 goals and conceded 63. You should note that the club also faces a difficult playoff path after they lost three of their final four matches. The Reds bring experience to the postseason, having reached the MLS Cup final in three of the past four years. They also showed strength at Pratt & Whitney Stadium, winning four of their six matches at the facility while surrendering only five goals. The Philadelphia Union leads the East with 47 points and a 14-4-5 record, while the Montreal Impact sits with 26 points after a 3-2 win over DC United. The Impact carry +15000 odds, trailing favorites like Orlando City at +600 and New York City FC at +700. Orlando City is making its first-ever playoff appearance. Montreal has struggled against the New England Revolution, going winless in three straight meetings. A crowd of more than 61,000 people is expected at Olympic Stadium for the first leg of the match between Montreal and Toronto. Sporting Kansas City sits at +900, while the defending champion Seattle Sounders and Los Angeles FC are co-second favorites at +500.
USSF coaching budget pressures
The USSF must evaluate the financial pressure of hiring a top-level men’s coach against the salary of Emma Hayes because Berhalter earned $2,291,136 in 2022 which included $900,000 in several very specific, distinct, and mandatory tournament-based performance bonuses. This expense remains a concern as the federation prepares for the 2026 World Cup. Berhalter previously led the USMNT to titles in the 2021 and 2024 CONCACAF Nations League and the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup. His 2022 salary included $900,000 in bonuses for qualifying the team for the World Cup and reaching the second round. The federation also must manage the expectations of players like Christian Pulisic, who was one of the leaders lobbying for Berhalter’s return last summer. Berhalter was rehired 5.5 months after his initial contract expired. The USMNT must prepare for upcoming exhibitions against Canada and New Zealand in September. These matches would be the team’s first since February 1. With the tournament approaching in 2026, the federation faces a massive decision regarding its coaching staff and budget. Will the federation prioritize the men’s program’s budget over other growing needs?
