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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li><a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/gregg-berhalter-winners-and-losers-usmnt-brazil-copa-america-warmup/blte23e93fd02bc9b95" target="_blank">Claimed Berhalter</a> has "done a tremendous job"</li><li>Midfielder's desire to get back into the USMNT setup</li><li>Announced partnership with sports technology brand</li></ul>

GOAL Exclusive: USMNT's Kellyn Acosta talks Gregg Berhalter, the national team and MLS career

CONCACAF Nations League

Jamaica

In an exclusive interview with GOAL, MLS veteran Kellyn Acosta spoke extensively on his USMNT experiences,<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/kellyn-acosta-goal-mls-usmnt-chicago-fire-wind-60-yard-effort-stoppage-time-winner-cf-montreal/bltba4710de8b0d411f" target="_blank"> as well as his more memorable moments for Chicago this season</a>. He asserted that Gregg Berhalter has the tools to stay in the USMNT job, and talked extensively about soccer accessibility.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Acosta insisted Berhalter should remain in the job, despite some rocky results of late."We love Gregg, and Gregg's done a tremendous job," Acosta said. "I feel like he gets a short end of the stick on a number of occasions, and that comes with it, being a coach of a national team that has great players who have done great things for their respective clubs. It's obviously a difficult task as a manager of putting all those pieces together and putting everyone on the field. It's something that's easier said than done. I think he's done a good job."

WHAT ACOSTA SAID ABOUT BERHALTER

Acosta also expressed his desire to work his way into the USMNT side."I'm trying to work my way back into the team," he said. "It's a tough hill to climb, because we've got some special players doing great things at their respective clubs. And so from my side, I've got to do better and do more and be better just to get the opportunity. It's not going to be given to me."I've got to earn it. Here, at the club level, I've gotta do all that I can to put in the coach's head that I deserve a shot at being back into the fold."

WHAT ACOSTA SAID ABOUT GETTING BACK INTO USMNT

The midfielder also spoke extensively on TOCA, a football training technology for which he has announced an ambassadorial role."I've always been a person that preaches making soccer more accessible," he said. "It's the world's biggest game, and we want our best players out there, on the on the biggest stage. And one of the ways we can do that is having innovative trainings, making soccer cool, making soccer fun. "Tying that into TOCA, I think we look at practice as it's tough. Everyone wants a scrimmage. But what's a way to have a technology where you're gaining touches and repetitions and practicing, but making it fun? for me, TOCA, is fun. I'm 28 years old, and I feel like a little kid out there."

WHAT ACOSTA SAID ABOUT TOCA

Acosta has been a USMNT regular at various points throughout his career. The midfielder, who has also spent time with FC Dallas and Colorado Rapids has 58 national team caps to his name.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Acosta will continue to be a regular for the Fire, and hopes to get back into the national team setup in the coming months as the US gear up for the 2026 World Cup. Until then, the national team have the challenge of the Copa America on home soil to confront.

WHAT NEXT FOR ACOSTA?

GOAL Exclusive: USMNT's Kellyn Acosta talks Gregg Berhalter, the national team and MLS career | Goal.com

Chicago Fire midfielder Kellyn Acosta backed USMNT boss Gregg Berhalter for success as USMNT manager after a chaotic international break