We typically stay within the confines of the Verde & Black, but the ridiculous world of U.S. Soccer has reached the gates of McKalla.
For a quick recap, Austin FC sporting director Claudio Reyna, and his wife Danielle, became major players in a U.S. Soccer scandal this week.
“During the World Cup an individual contacted U.S. Soccer, saying that they had information about me that would ‘take me down’ – an apparent effort to leverage something very personal from long ago to bring about the end of my relationship with U.S. Soccer,” USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter said.
A bombshell dropped on Jan. 4 when it was revealed that Claudio and Danielle Reyna were the informants.
While the coach of the USMNT isn’t our concern, this scandal hits home with our own coach, Josh Wolff. He was a disciple of Berhalter; an assistant under him for four seasons at Columbus Crew, and with him on the staff of the U.S. Men’s National Team.
Now Wolff is in a spot where he must pick sides between his employer and his mentor.
The Berhalter-Reyna ties run deep. Even in this young club.
Berhalter’s son, Sebastian, was signed on loan to Austin by Claudio Reyna in March 2021. The loan was short-lived; in November 2021 the young Berhalter’s contract option was not exercised by Austin and he ended up transferring to Vancouver. Claudio Reyna’s youngest son, Joah Reyna, plays for the U-15 Austin FC Academy team.
Since the U.S. Soccer scandal broke on Jan. 4, Austin FC has omitted Claudio Reyna from any press releases. As sporting director, Reyna had been the main spokesperson quoted in all important club news—like player transfers.
No official word from the club if Reyna was removed from his leadership role at Austin FC.
1/26 Update: Our suspicions were confirmed when Austin FC announced that Claudio Reyna had stepped down from his position as Sporting Director to take a Technical Advisor role.
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Here’s what the soccer world had to say about the Berhalter-Reyna beef.
“This is wild and extremely sad for all parties involved. Domestic violence, Blackmail claims, Helicopter parents, and just sad telenovela drama between what were a group of two very close friends.” – Herculez Gomez
“Moral of the story: Keep your enemies close and your best friends closer,” tweeted former U.S. national team defender Jimmy Conrad. This is all so sad.” – Jimmy Conrad
“We eat our own.” – Alexi Lalas
Do you think Claudio Reyna should be punished by the club?