Matt Crocker's US Soccer Legacy: Hits, Misses, and a Sudden Exit
Matt Crocker's time as US Soccer sporting director ended abruptly this week, leaving behind a mixed record just as the 2026 World Cup approaches. Hired in 2023 to build a long-term vision, Crocker is now headed to Saudi Arabia after three years marked by one clear success, one major failure, and several unfinished projects.
The Coaching Carousel: From Berhalter to Pochettino
Crocker's first major decision was whether to rehire Gregg Berhalter as US men's national team coach after the 2022 World Cup. Berhalter's contract had expired following the team's round of 16 exit, and Crocker conducted what he called a "comprehensive and evidence-based" search that lasted months. Despite considering alternatives like Jesse Marsch and Patrick Vieira, Crocker ultimately brought Berhalter back.
The move backfired spectacularly. The US men's team never regained its pre-World Cup momentum, and Berhalter was fired after the team failed to advance from the group stage at the 2024 Copa América on home soil. This meant the program wasted 19 months between World Cup cycles—precious time that could have been used to build toward 2026.
Crocker's replacement choice raised eyebrows for different reasons. Hiring Mauricio Pochettino gave the US men's program its most high-profile coach ever, but it also meant bringing in someone with zero international experience. The early returns haven't been promising—the team suffered heavy defeats in recent friendlies, and Pochettino appears to be struggling to adapt to the international game after over a decade at elite clubs.
The Emma Hayes Success Story
While the men's side struggled, Crocker nailed his most important women's program decision. After the US women's team suffered their worst-ever World Cup finish in 2023, Crocker moved quickly to hire Emma Hayes following her legendary tenure at Chelsea.
The timing proved perfect. Hayes immediately restored the team's confidence and led them to Olympic gold in 2024 with largely the same core that had underperformed the previous year. More importantly, she implemented what's become known as the "WNT Way"—a program specifically designed for women's soccer rather than copying the men's model.
Today, the US women are again among the favorites for next year's Women's World Cup in Brazil, a remarkable turnaround from where they stood when Crocker arrived.
The Unfinished US Way Project
Beyond coaching hires, Crocker arrived with an ambitious plan called the "US Way" to transform American soccer. The three-part strategy focused on:
- Pathways: Creating clearer routes from youth to professional soccer
- Infrastructure: Building better facilities and support systems
- Player Development: Improving coaching and talent identification nationwide
Some progress has been made. Crocker introduced talent identification camps that bring together coaches from across the country, and coach education resources have become more accessible through the federation's website. However, the pathways strategy tracker on US Soccer's website shows the project is only at step four of seven, with completion projected for 2028—two years after Crocker will have left.
Financial Backing and Sudden Departure
US Soccer invested significantly more in Crocker's vision than previous sporting directors received. Key developments include:
- Emma Hayes becoming the world's highest-paid female coach
- Mauricio Pochettino earning over $5 million for seven months of work
- A new national training center in Georgia costing nearly $250 million
These investments were supported by billionaire donors including Ken Griffin and Arthur Blank. Ironically, Crocker is now leaving for Saudi Arabia—one of the few countries spending even more aggressively on soccer development.
During a recent tour of the new training center, Crocker joked about staff playing pickup games in the indoor fieldhouse. He'll now be a distinguished guest if he ever returns, with his next employers likely covering any expenses.
Key Takeaways
- Emma Hayes was Crocker's masterstroke: Her hiring transformed the women's program from crisis to championship contention.
- The Berhalter rehire failed completely: Wasting 19 months between World Cup cycles set the men's program back significantly.
- Pochettino remains unproven: His lack of international experience shows in early struggles.
- The US Way project is incomplete: Major infrastructure and development goals won't be finished until 2028.
- Money flowed but patience didn't: Despite unprecedented financial backing, Crocker left before seeing his long-term vision through.
Crocker's legacy is one of contrasts—brilliant success with the women's program, disappointing failure with the men's, and ambitious plans left for others to complete. His sudden move to Saudi Arabia leaves US Soccer searching for continuity just as the 2026 World Cup approaches.
— Editorial Team
