PARADISE, Nev. — Six whole months of rumors and intrigue, of twists and turns, of drama and soap operas climaxed right around 7:15 p.m. here Thursday night, at a palatial stadium, on North American soccer's biggest stage.
Excitement had bubbled ahead of U.S.-Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals. Typical narratives emerged — until, in the days and hours ahead of this classic rivalry, U.S. Soccer overtook them. After a protracted, roller-coaster coaching search, the news leaked: Gregg Berhalter is returning. It filtered through Allegiant Stadium, via social media and broadcasts. It overshadowed tactics, and reopened fan-base divides, and boggled minds.