Jesse Marsch exposes USMNT flaws and shines in Canada

The US Men's National Soccer Team is in a crisis of defeats and uncertainty about its future. Recently, the defeat against Canada in Kansas City, by 2-1, brought many questions as to leadership, preparation, and, of course, the impact of Jesse Marsch. Much stronger", he says, is his desire to coach Canada now, whereas once US Soccer passed him over for the head coaching position.

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The Impact of Jesse Marsch

Jesse Marsch has been known in U.S. soccer for many years. With stints in European clubs such as RB Leipzig and Leeds United, as well as good experience in MLS, he was a candidate to lead the USMNT. The job eventually went back to Gregg Berhalter; Marsch says that didn't bother him. In his most recent interview on CBS's "Call it What You Want" podcast, though, he hinted some frustration with how the process was handled by US Soccer.

He said: "I wasn't treated particularly well in the process"-a volume between the lines on how uncomfortable Marsch was with how things went down. But post-Canada's historic win over the U.S., he was clear: "I'm not bitter," a sign the victory over the team that could have been his tasted a lot sweeter than any bitterness.

What is clear now, though, is that Marsch believes he is in the best spot, at the front of Canada. "I would much rather coach Canada than the U.S. right now," he said. The Canadian team that for so long had sought to find a place within the limelight now has an entirely new mentality-one instilled within them by Marsch. For him, it's the commitment of the players, the desire to play for their country, and the improvement of the team across the board that the USMNT lacks.

Failure for the USMNT and Criticism of the Process

That, however, cannot be said about the USMNT with Marsch finding his comfort zone with the Canucks. The current transitional phase for the U.S. team is one that could define its future. Ever since the team got eliminated at the group stage of Copa América, they have been temporarily led by interim coach Mikey Varas as they wait on Mauricio Pochettino, who is reportedly lined up to take over.

Marsch spoke diplomatically, but the implication was that something was awry with the selection process the USMNT employed for choosing a head coach. The big question: what would have been different had Marsch been the choice? Canada's first win on American soil in 67 years is a harsh reminder that as the USMNT searches for answers, Canada is getting stronger, led by a coach who has clearly found his stride.

Canada: The New North American Soccer Powerhouse?

One can't help but love the impact Jesse Marsch has had on Canadian soccer. The head coach, since May, promptly changed the mentality of the team as it finished fourth in Copa América. But probably more importantly was the occasion when they defeated the U.S.-partly for the historical context behind it.

If there is one thing that has been a constant in CONCACAF, it's that Canada is the "developing" team that sits in the shadow of powerhouse teams like the U.S. and Mexico. This may, however, spell change in times. Now, with a fiercely determined Canadian squad with a clear commitment to growth, it is time for the big teams to take a step aside.

"You can see the mentality that's developed," said Marsch following the win. And indeed, what comes through with clarity is the ethos of this Canadian side-play for pride, for professionalism, and most importantly, togetherness, a quality absent in so many national teams. "They're willing to put their careers and lives on the line to be the best they can be," added Marsch, who emphasized sacrifice and commitment by his players.

What's Next for the USMNT?

With the USMNT in transition and Berhalter out, where does the future of the American team lie? It's expected that Mauricio Pochettino will come in with an overall different kind of philosophy with the team. But will the team be able to shift its mentality toward the commitment level he has installed in Canada, as Jesse Marsch has?

A loss to Canada is not just a blemish in the record of the U.S., but rather a wake-up call. While Canada grows stronger, the U.S. appears to be caught up in a circle of uncertainty. What the USMNT desperately needs right now is a refocus and a regain of passion. More importantly, it has to find an identity as a team that will fight on the pitch-just like Canada did.