Regaining lost momentum amidst finding a solution is U.S. Soccer's biggest challenge post-mortem

#5 Finding the right man to lead the charge is vital

David Wagner

There will be a lot of names thrown around in the coming weeks as to who will replace Bruce Arena. It is important to remember that, if everything I wrote prior to this section is 100% true, then USSF needs to think outside the box when considering a replacement. A coach in the current USSF system may not be a bad idea, but given the circumstances, a big splash may have to occur in order to facilitate that change. So who is on the shortlist? Here are a few to consider:

Marcelo Bielsa (Lille)

Bielsa, at 62 years old, has both the experience and pedigree to be a successful manager for the United States. The Argentine has managed Argentina and Chile at the international level and European clubs such as Athletic Bilbao, Marseille and Lazio. His record is fairly impressive at 242-162-144 and could be the spark that this squad desperately needs.

David Wagner (Huddersfield Town)

Bob Bradley was supposed to be the American manager that made England sit up and realise that the United States had talent at all levels. Instead, it's David Wagner who is earning those plaudits.

The former United States defender took Huddersfield Town to the Premier League and the side are currently firmly in the mid-table. Wagner's style is creative enough that it would work at the international level and the 45-year-old's experience as a player at clubs such as Schalke and Eintracht Frankfurt will command respect. This is an outside shot, though, as Huddersfield have no interest in losing their top man.

Tab Ramos (USMNT U-20s)

Tab Ramos

Ramos would be considered a safe choice in the current USSF system. He knows the youth system inside and out and has seemingly been groomed for the main spot. The criticism of this choice, however, would be that Ramos has never managed anything other than the U-20s and may not be able to handle the pressure that comes along with international management.

Gregg Berhalter (Columbus Crew SC)

Another former United States International, Berhalter is an interesting choice to consider given he has both played and managed in Europe much like David Wagner. Berhalter had 44 caps for the United States from 1994-2006, including the United States' thrilling 2002 campaign where they reached the quarterfinals, only to lose to Germany.

Berhalter played for European sides Crystal Palace and 1860 Munich before rotating back to the States and finishing his career with the LA Galaxy. He returned to Europe for two seasons to coach Hammarby IF in Sweden before taking on his current role with Columbus Crew SC.

Berhalter's system promotes possession and attacking, but the criticism here is that he is not open to changing his style too often. International managers need to adjust to other sides, something that would be a hindrance to Berhalter's managerial style.

Caleb Porter (Portland Timbers)

Porter's name is going to be mentioned as much as anyone else, given his recent success. Guiding Portland to the MLS Cup in 2015 is his crowning achievement, but he's also won at the collegiate level with Akron in 2010. Porter is also on the younger side at just 42 years old, and if the United States are going to insist on trying to keep managers in place for longer than one World Cup qualification cycle, Porter could be a great fit as a long-term selection.