By Michael Lewis
FrontRowSoccer.com Editor
U.S. Soccer released findings of an independent investigative report about the murky controversy between the families of Greg Berhalter and Claudio Reyna on Monday with striking divergent findings.
Berhalter, whose contract with the U.S. men’s national team ended on Dec. 31, can be employed again by U.S. Soccer.
“Given the investigators’ conclusion that there is no legal impediment to employing him, Gregg Berhalter remains a candidate to serve as head coach of the men’s national team,” U.S. Soccer said.
Reyna’s reputation, on the other hand, took a major hit and stunning fall from grace, after the independent investigation report was released by U.S. Soccer on Monday. In the report, Claudio and his wife, Danielle Egan, came across as meddlers with the federation, mostly concerning the career of their son, Gio.
According to the report, Claudio Reyna had a “pattern of periodic outreach” to U.S. Soccer officials during a six-year period from 2016-22, regarding the federation’s “treatment of his children, including primarily his son, USMNT player Gio Reyna.”
Claudio’s complaints included refereeing in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, travel accommodations and Gio’s role at the World Cup.”
One unnamed person in the report described Claudio’s behavior as “inappropriate,” “bullying,” and “mean-spirited.”
Danielle Reyna, the former Danielle Egan, and Rosalind Berhalter, the former Rosalind Santana, were close friends who played on the same Long Island Junior Soccer League team and attended the University of North Carolina together. Chapel Hill, N.C. was the scene of the incident.
Danielle Reyna had leaked information about a 1992 domestic violence incident in which Berhalter kicked his future wife, Rosalind Santana when they were dating. They broke up, eventually got together, were married and have four children. They are still married. Danielle complained to federation as retaliation for Berhalter not playing Gio more at the World Cup.
Berhalter revealed details of Gio’s poor attitude in Qatar and that he nearly sent the 20-year-old player home.
After learning of an allegation of a 1992 domestic incident against Berhalter, the federation immediately engaged a team at Alston & Bird LLP, led by Jenny Kramer, BJay Pak and Chris Marquardt.
The Berhalters cooperated with the investigation, the Reynas did not.
“We were impressed with Mr. Berhalter’s candor and demeanor during the investigation,” the report stated.
“We were less impressed with the Reynas’ cooperation during the investigation.
“After several attempts to schedule an interview, we had two brief phone conversations with Mrs. Reyna on December 29th, and we did not succeed in having a follow-up conversation with her – or any conversation with Mr. Reyna – after that.”
After Gio Reyna did not see any action in the USA’s 1-1 draw with Wales in its World Cup opener in November, U.S. Soccer sporting director Earnie Stewart received a scathing text message from Claudio: “What a complete and utter eff-ing joke. Our family is disgusted in case you were wondering. Disgusted at how a coach is allowed to never be challenged and do whatever he wants.”
Claudio also texted USMNT general manager Brian McBride: “Our entire family is disgusted, angry and done with you guys. Don’t expect nice comments from anyone in our family about U.S. Soccer. I’m being transparent to you not like the political clown show of the federation.”
According to the report Danielle told a U.S. Soccer official a day after the Welsh match: “Once this tournament is over, I can make one phone call and give one interview, and his cool sneakers and bounce passes will be gone.”
There was more.
The report stated: “The information was disclosed at a time when it would be expected to discourage or otherwise influence the organization from offering a contract extension to Mr. Berhalter. Mr. Stewart explained during the investigation that he believed the Reynas made this disclosure to him so that U.S. Soccer would not hire Mr. Berhalter for another term.”
According to the report, Berhalter said: “There were 150 people in the Friends and Family program at this year’s World Cup. All were having a great time — except 5 people who were absolutely miserable. Those five were cursing, acting horribly. It was the Reynas.
“When things don’t go great for Gio, [the Reynas] pivot and go into attack mode.”
The report also stated that U.S. Soccer needed to revisit its policies concerning appropriate parental conduct and communications with staff at the national team level.
