Sports
Spoelstra: No need to penalize Ball any further
Erik Spoelstra supports no further penalties for LaMelo Ball after flagrant foul.
ESPN News1 min read
Sports
USMNT legends rip Matt Crocker for sudden U.S. Soccer departure
TL;DR
Matt Crocker resigned as U.S. Soccer sporting director on April 14, 2026, to join the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. His sudden departure has drawn criticism from USMNT legends, particularly Landon Donovan, who questioned Crocker's commitment ahead of the World Cup.
Matt Crocker's sudden departure from U.S. Soccer isn't sitting well with some U.S. men's national team greats.
On Tuesday, April 14, Crocker resigned as U.S. Soccer sporting director with immediate effect. Multiple reports said Crocker was set to take up a similar role with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.
The timing of the announcement was eye-opening, with the United States set to host the World Cup in just two months.
Though Crocker's departure isn't expected to have much impact on the field for the USMNT, the optics of U.S. Soccer's sporting director leaving so close to the World Cup are not ideal.
Among those to offer the strongest reactions was USMNT legend Landon Donovan, who said in a video on social media that he felt Crocker was never fully committed during his three-year tenure.
“My initial thought is if he doesn’t want to be here, we don’t want him here," Donovan said of the Welshman. "And I always got the sense that he wasn’t fully committed here and didn’t really care about soccer in this country.”
Donovan added: "If he doesn't want to be here, then we should be happy that he's gone. I'm actually happy to get someone in that position who genuinely cares about the growth of soccer and is not just interested in making their next paycheck. So good riddance to him."
Weston McKennie of United States and Samu Costa of Portugal compete for the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Christian Pulisic of United States controls the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Vitinha of Portugal passes against Alex Freeman of United States during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Timothy Weah of United States controls the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Mauricio Pochettino greets Roberto Martinez, Head Coach of Portugal, right, prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Bruno Fernandes of Portugal is challenged by Auston Trusty of United States during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta.
Aidan Morris of United States is challenged by Joao Cancelo of Portugal during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Mauricio Pochettino looks on prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Sebastian Berhalter of United States passes whilst under pressure from Goncalo Ramos of Portugal during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Fans of United States cheer prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Players of United States form a huddle prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Players of United States and Belgium line up prior to the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Belgium's Jeremy Doku (11) controls the ball against the USA at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
USA's Christian Pulisic (10) controls the ball against Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
USA's Weston McKennie (8) scores a goal against Belgium during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere (17) scores a goal on a penalty kick against the USA at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere (17) reacts Wirth teammates after scoring a goal on a penalty kick against the USA at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
USA soccer fans shown during the match against Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
Amadou Onana #24 of Belgium is challenged by Malik Tillman #17 of the United States during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Belgium's Dodi Lukebakio (14) scores a goal against the USA during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
Weston McKennie of the United States celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
A fan of United States with face paint looks on during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
USA's Mark McKenzie (22) and Belgium's Lois Openda (9) fight for the ball at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
Dodi Lukebakio #14 of Belgium celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal with teammate Jeremy Doku #11 during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Nathan Ngoy #20 of Belgium is challenged by Sebastian Berhalter #14 of the United States during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Dodi Lukebakio #14 of Belgium scores his team's fifth goal during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
1 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Weston McKennie of United States and Samu Costa of Portugal compete for the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
1 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Weston McKennie of United States and Samu Costa of Portugal compete for the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
2 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Christian Pulisic of United States controls the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
3 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Vitinha of Portugal passes against Alex Freeman of United States during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
4 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Timothy Weah of United States controls the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
5 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Mauricio Pochettino greets Roberto Martinez, Head Coach of Portugal, right, prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
6 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Bruno Fernandes of Portugal is challenged by Auston Trusty of United States during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta.
7 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Aidan Morris of United States is challenged by Joao Cancelo of Portugal during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
8 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Mauricio Pochettino looks on prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
9 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Sebastian Berhalter of United States passes whilst under pressure from Goncalo Ramos of Portugal during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
10 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Fans of United States cheer prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
11 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Players of United States form a huddle prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
12 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Players of United States and Belgium line up prior to the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
13 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Belgium's Jeremy Doku (11) controls the ball against the USA at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
14 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
USA's Christian Pulisic (10) controls the ball against Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
15 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
USA's Weston McKennie (8) scores a goal against Belgium during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
16 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere (17) scores a goal on a penalty kick against the USA at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
17 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere (17) reacts Wirth teammates after scoring a goal on a penalty kick against the USA at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
18 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
USA soccer fans shown during the match against Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
19 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Amadou Onana #24 of Belgium is challenged by Malik Tillman #17 of the United States during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
20 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Belgium's Dodi Lukebakio (14) scores a goal against the USA during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
21 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Weston McKennie of the United States celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
22 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
A fan of United States with face paint looks on during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
23 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
USA's Mark McKenzie (22) and Belgium's Lois Openda (9) fight for the ball at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
24 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Dodi Lukebakio #14 of Belgium celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal with teammate Jeremy Doku #11 during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
25 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Nathan Ngoy #20 of Belgium is challenged by Sebastian Berhalter #14 of the United States during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
26 / 26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Dodi Lukebakio #14 of Belgium scores his team's fifth goal during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
Tab Ramos, a three-time World Cup veteran who also served as U.S. under-20 head coach and a USMNT assistant, said on X that there had been "ZERO progress" under Crocker.
According to Alexi Lalas, seeing Crocker leave so close to the World Cup is "an own goal and a bad look for him, the team, and [U.S. Soccer]. Hopefully it leads to some motivation."
It wasn't all negative from the cohort of ex-USMNT stars, however, as longtime goalkeeper Tim Howard gave Crocker credit for his two biggest hires during his tenure at U.S. Soccer.
“Matt, get your money. Get your money. Go get paid. Chase it. It’s important," Howard said in a video on the "Unfiltered Soccer" X account.
"He brought [USWNT head coach] Emma Hayes. Brilliant hire. He brought [USMNT head coach] Mauricio Pochettino. In my opinion, brilliant hire. So, that’s on his watch. Credit to him.”
Spain – 17th appearance
Brazil – 23rd appearance
United States of America – 12th appearance
Mexico – 18th appearance
England – 17th appearance
Portugal – ninth appearance
France – 17th appearance
Iran – seventh appearance
Switzerland – 13th appearance
Croatia – seventh appearance
Australia – seventh appearance
Morocco – seventh appearance
Austria – eighth appearance
Ecuador – fifth appearance
Senegal – fourth appearance
South Korea – 12th appearance
Japan – eighth appearance
Colombia – seventh appearance
Netherlands – 12th appearance
Germany – 21st appearance
Belgium – 15th appearance
Canada – third appearance
Saudi Arabia – seventh appearance
Uzbekistan – first appearance
Jordan – first appearance
Tunisia – seventh appearance
South Africa – fourth appearance
Ivory Coast – fourth appearance
Scotland – ninth appearance
Algeria – fifth appearance
New Zealand – third appearance
Paraguay – ninth appearance
Egypt – fourth appearance
Cape Verde – first appearance
Qatar – second appearance
Norway – fourth appearance
Panama – second appearance
Ghana – fifth appearance
Haiti – second appearance
1 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
Spain – 17th appearance
1 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
Spain – 17th appearance
2 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
Brazil – 23rd appearance
3 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
United States of America – 12th appearance
4 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
Mexico – 18th appearance
5 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
England – 17th appearance
6 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
Portugal – ninth appearance
7 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
France – 17th appearance
8 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
Iran – seventh appearance
9 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
Switzerland – 13th appearance
10 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
Croatia – seventh appearance
11 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
Australia – seventh appearance
12 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
Morocco – seventh appearance
13 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
Austria – eighth appearance
14 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
Ecuador – fifth appearance
15 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
Senegal – fourth appearance
16 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
South Korea – 12th appearance
17 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
Japan – eighth appearance
18 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
Colombia – seventh appearance
19 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
Netherlands – 12th appearance
20 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
Germany – 21st appearance
21 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
Belgium – 15th appearance
22 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
Canada – third appearance
23 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
Saudi Arabia – seventh appearance
24 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
Uzbekistan – first appearance
25 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
Jordan – first appearance
26 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
Tunisia – seventh appearance
27 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
South Africa – fourth appearance
28 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
Ivory Coast – fourth appearance
29 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
Scotland – ninth appearance
30 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
Algeria – fifth appearance
31 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
New Zealand – third appearance
32 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
Paraguay – ninth appearance
33 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
Egypt – fourth appearance
34 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
Cape Verde – first appearance
35 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
Qatar – second appearance
36 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
Norway – fourth appearance
37 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
Panama – second appearance
38 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
39 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
Ghana – fifth appearance
40 / 40
Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
Haiti – second appearance
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: USMNT legends Donovan, Lalas react to Crocker departure
Q&A
Why did Matt Crocker resign from U.S. Soccer?
Matt Crocker resigned to take a similar position with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.
What was the reaction of USMNT legends to Crocker's departure?
USMNT legends, including Landon Donovan, criticized Crocker, expressing concerns about his commitment during his tenure.
How close is the World Cup to Crocker's resignation?
Crocker resigned just two months before the United States is set to host the World Cup.
What impact is expected from Crocker's resignation on the USMNT?
While his departure is not expected to significantly affect the team's performance, the timing raises concerns about U.S. Soccer's stability.
