USMNT legend Tim Howard believes Gregg Berhalter should designate Tyler Adams as US captain throughout Copa America
- Howard speaks out ahead of Copa America 2024
- Argues Adams should be named permanent captain
- USMNT to open group stage against Bolivia
WHAT HAPPENED?
USMNT legend Tim Howard does not believe coach Gregg Berhalter has proper hierarchy in place for the team as it looks to face Bolivia in the group stage of the 2024 Copa America this weekend.
Writing in a column for the Daily Mail, the former U.S. goalkeeper – who played in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups – argued that the USMNT boss needs to appoint a designated captain for the duration tournament, and ideally, that would be Tyler Adams.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Copa America 2024 will be an important test for the USMNT on the global stage, as it serves as a prelude to hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup. There are high expectations for the U.S., and it’s clearly important for the team to perform at a high level on home soil.
Howard was a member of the USMNT the last time they featured in the tournament, in 2016.
WHAT HOWARD SAID
“This USMNT seems to be a tight unit,” Howard wrote. “They understand what it means to wear the US jersey. But heading into Copa America, Gregg Berhalter has no permanent captain. That doesn’t sit well with me.
“I am a firm believer that there has to be one voice and the communication hierarchy must be clear: manager, captain, senior players and then nobody else. Soccer is fragile and players are insecure.
“Confidence ebbs and flow with every result. So you need a figurehead – someone strong, someone who stands up in the hard moments, someone who teammates can count on. When you have that, it’s amazing how everybody falls into line. Tyler Adams should have the armband – without question.
“Just look at how he operates on the pitch, his upbeat personality, his tenacity, and how well he speaks off the field. Under his leadership, this team can galvanize the country at Copa America. Sometimes it’s as easy as just kicking the ball – sports can be healing, motivational and inspirational.”
WHAT NEXT FOR THE USMNT?
Adams and the USMNT begin their Copa America journey Sunday night against Bolivia in Arlington, Texas. They’ll follow that with Group Stage matches against Panama and Uruguay.
