As if the loss was not enough, USMNT‘s Copa America exit at Uruguay’s hands gives way to numerous bizarre storylines on the web. Closely examining the match official Kevin Ortega’s refusal to shake hands with Christian Pulisic has prompted fans to interpret that the US captain instigated the referee. Meanwhile, another video showed Gregg Berhalter speaking to his players about the other Group C game between Panama and Bolivia, while the US was playing a losing game. Courtesy of this in-game antic Berhalter is now arguably a laughing stock among certain soccer fans.

Gregg Berhalter gestured to Christian Pulisic and Co. that the Panama-Bolivia tie had drawn at the 60th minute. He meant that the US had a clear chance to advance further if they beat Uruguay. But in a shock, Panama fired back at death and won 3-1 against Bolivia. The US, on the other hand, conceded a goal from Uruguay in the 66th minute and eventually left the Copa stage in shock.

It was not surprising of Berhalter to heavily bother about the Panama-Bolivia game. When Bolivia equalized against Panama, the USMNT immediately went up to the second position in the Group C table, getting closer to a knockout qualification. Christian Pulisic and his teammates could have eased into the knockouts had they just gained a clean sheet against Uruguay. Even though Berhalter’s gesture was obvious, considering the dynamics of the group stage, fans are not buying it. Most of them think Berhalter should have concentrated on the US’s own game instead.

Fans blast Gregg Berhalter for caring too much about Panama’s game

As things stand now, not only did the US go out of the Copa America, Panama made it to the quarter-finals, alongside Uruguay. So the sentiment of the soccer verse is that Berhalter’s gesture was completely uncalled for. Furthermore, Berhalter’s antic came just before the US was defending a free kick. Hence many think the US players lost concentration and Uruguay ultimately scored off the rebound from the free-kick. Some fans even think Uruguay’s scoring came off an offside.

Here are some of the reactions from fans.

Fan asks Berhalter to set his priorities straight.

Former England star Danny Higginbotham blames the US coach for destroying players’ concentration, while also raising eyebrows over Uruguay’s goal.

Former US international Taylor Twellman did not hold his horses while blasting Gregg Berhalter. Twellman teaches Berhalter about a winner’s mentality.

A user echoes Twellman and says Berhalter only fueled the US players’ losing mindset.

No mercy for Berhalter as a fan thinks he committed a sackable offense.

Truer words were never spoken!

With this loss and premature exit at home, Gregg Berhalter has put his coaching job in jeopardy. Antics such as this only aggravate Berhalter’s future in the US camp. Anyhow, certain former US players like Alexi Lalas think the team won’t sack Berhalter yet. The coming days will be crucial for the US coach’s future. What are your thoughts on this? Tell us in the comments.