From sublime achievements to unexpected upsets, GOAL reflects on the top 10 storylines in American soccer in 2024
There is rarely a "normal" year in American soccer, but even by that measure, 2024 certainly was unique and eventful in myriad ways. As we near 2025, it's safe to the last year was as wild as any that preceded it. Somehow, American soccer always finds a way to raise the bar.
The year was headlined by some amazing accomplishments. There was an Olympic gold medal for the U.S. women's national team to highlight it all, as the Emma Hayes era returned astonishingly quick results. The U.S. men's national team, meanwhile, went through a year of change. In came a new coach, Mauricio Pochettino, and he walked into a team led by Christian Pulisic, who is truly playing at a world-class level.
The domestic leagues crowned worthy champions, while college soccer gave us the biggest Cinderella we've seen at that level. Somehow, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami crashed in the biggest upset in MLS history, showing that even the GOAT still has some things to learn about the wild and unpredictable game in the U.S.
Overall, American soccer feels healthy, which wasn't always the case a decade or so ago, particularly outside of MLS. The foundations have been put in place, domestic leagues are building, and ambitions have never been greater. That spirit was celebrated by the GOAL Champions, the inaugural awards recognizing the most unique and most compelling players, coaches, fans and moments in U.S. soccer from 2024.
And 2025 promises to raise the bar even higher, with the FIFA Club World Cup on U.S. soil – all ahead of the FIFA World Cup to be hosted by the U.S., Mexico and Canada in 2026. But first, GOAL pauses to reflect on the top 10 storylines in American soccer of 2024.
AFPGregg Berhalter out, Mauricio Pochettino in
We certainly couldn't have predicted this one a year ago. Gregg Berhalter is now with the Chicago Fire and Mauricio Pochettino is the head coach of the USMNT.
It all happened this summer when the U.S. crashed out of the Copa America on home soil. That proved to be the end for Berhalter, who never quite got it going during this second cycle in charge. It also proved to be the beginning of this Pochettino era as he was chosen to lead this program towards the 2026 World Cup.
Early signs have been positive. There was a stumble in Mexico, but the USMNT bounced back with two big wins over Jamaica. It's been easy to see the early changes, too, as the USMNT's tactics have shifted game by game. Pochettino is still in the experimenting phase but, despite that, you're starting to see a new identity form within the team.
It's all very early, and Pochettino and the USMNT are in the honeymoon phase – 2025 will be the time to get down to business. But right now, that shine is still there as the USMNT have a world-class head coach to lead them into what will certainly be a momentous World Cup in 2026.
AdvertisementGettyPulisic becomes Milan's superstar
Christian Pulisic has been an American soccer superstar since he was a teenager. Now, he's developing a similar reputation at one of the sport's most legendary clubs.
His first go-round was very good. This second one has been great. Up until his recent injury, Pulisic was constantly proving himself to be the guy at Milan, emerging as the club's most dangerous attacker. Pulisic has come so far since he left Chelsea, and this start of the season has proved that there are still new levels to be reached in his game.
For the USMNT to contend in 2026, Pulisic has to be world-class, and 2024 has shown he can get there. For club and country, Pulisic is a unquestionable star, one who continues to grow into that role on and off the field.
Getty Images SportHayes makes USWNT golden
It was educated guess to say that Emma Hayes would turn the USWNT around. But this fast? Few could have seen that coming.
Just a few short months after taking over the U.S., Hayes led the USWMT to a gold medal in the Paris Games. In her first major tournament in charge – and just her 10th game – Hayes made the USWNT golden, restoring the culture and standard that this program had been lacking after the 2023 World Cup.
Under Hayes, the USWNT has once again become the world's premier program – Hayes remains unbeaten in her first 15 matches with the squad. It happened almost immediately. Her combination of character, tactics and confidence saw her rebuild the team on the fly, making it levels better than it was before she arrived – and she was justly rewarded as the 2024 Ballon d'Or women's coach of the year.
The world is watching on once again. That's the Hayes effect in full force and, with her in charge, there will likely be even better days ahead.
AFPEnjoy your Triple Espresso
Mallory Swanson, Sophia Smith and Trinity Rodman – names that will forever be linked. This summer, they were declared "Triple Espresso" and that trio have carved out their spot in USWNT history. Already.
Led by those three, the USWNT won gold in the summer. It was an attacking unit so fierce, so dangerous and, ultimately, so successful, that they needed a name. Several popped up, "Triple Espresso" won out.
Swanson is just 26. Smith is 24. Rodman? Just 22. They have the potential to dominate the landscape for years to come – 2024 was the year they stepped up, but the USWNT will be serving shots of espresso regularly as they march toward future tournaments.
The USWNT is known for developing legends, and 2024 was a year that a new trio took their first steps towards that status.