USNMNT blank Saudi Arabia to reach CONCACAF GOLD…
AUSTIN, Texas — Defender Chris Richards scored with a flick of the ball off a secondhalf free kick to carry the United States to a 10 win over Saudi Arabia on Thursday evening, sending the Americans on to the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals.
Richards tracked the ball as it flew into the box on a curving free kick from Sebastian Berhalter in the 62nd minute to faucet the ball with his left foot previous Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aquidi.
The win and the 11 draw between Trinidad and Tobago and Haiti in Group D’s different match Thursday in Houston, clinched a knockout berth for the Americans, who improved to 42 wins, one loss and 5 attracts in group play. The U.S. has received its group in 16 of 17 Gold Cups, and closes Group D play on Sunday against Haiti at Arlington, Texas.
U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino caught with the identical lineup that produced a 50 win over Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday, the first time he made no modifications in consecutive matches since taking over this system final October.
But enjoying against No. 58 Saudi Arabia, the Sixteenthranked Americans confirmed little of the physical attack firepower they displayed against the No. 100 Soca Warriors.
The match noticed few actual probabilities on purpose by either workforce. The Americans had just one shot in the first half. Richards’ velocity to monitor back to cowl for Alex Freeman’s mistake and block a shot saved Saudi Arabia from a 10 lead.
Matt Freese received his second consecutive begin in purpose for the U.S. and third in 4 matches as he seems to have displaced Matt Turner.
Chris Richards celebrates after scoring a purpose in the U.S. males’s soccer workforce’s 10 win over Saudi Arabia in their CONCACAF Gold Cup match on June 19, 2025. Getty Images
The Gold Cup represents the final aggressive take a look at for the Americans forward of the 2026 World Cup. As cohost with Mexico and Canada, the U.S. is an computerized qualifier for the World Cup.
The Americans limped into the Gold Cup on a fourmatch shedding streak that included a 40 rout by Switzerland in their remaining tuneup.
And with many of the highest gamers either sitting out this event for personal causes, accidents or enjoying in the Club World Cup, Pochettino chosen a roster full of comparatively untested and unproven gamers.
Chris Richards (proper) celebrates with the followers and his teammates during Team USA’s 10 win over Saudi Arabia. Scott WachterImagn Images
Missing the event for the U.S. are regulars Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, Gio Reyna, Antonee Robinson, Folarin Balogun and Sergiño Dest,
Stay up to date with the most recent trending topics! Visit our web site each day for the freshest Sports information and content material, fastidiously curated to keep you knowledgeable.
