The USMNT escaped with a win against Saudi Arabia Thursday night thanks to Chris Richards’ efforts on both ends of the pitch. His goal in the 63rd minute was all the US would need to punch their ticket to the knockout stage of the Gold Cup.
Mauricio Pochettino felt confident enough after the 5-0 win against Trinidad and Tobago that he kept the same starting XI against the Saudis. The trust in his starters would pay off in the emotional slugfest the game turned into.
Richards burst onto the main roster for the USMNT back in 2020 after two years with the U-20 team. He’d played sparingly at top Bundesliga club Bayern Munich, causing some to say he’d be our feature centerback before the World Cup in 2022. His play, though, wasn’t consistent, and a hamstring injury kept him off the World Cup roster entirely.
A move to Crystal Palace in the Premier League in 2022 saw Richards finally get consistent minutes with his club. He’s played 62 matches for them from 2023-2025 and scored two goals. Richards and fellow USMNT and Crystal Palace teammate Matt Turner won the FA Cup for the first time in their club’s history by defeating Manchester City 1-0 in May of this year.
Richards earned his 27th cap with the senior USMNT against Saudi Arabia and had his best performance wearing the red, white, and blue. His game-winning goal was his second for the US and his first since the 2023 Nations League final against Canada.
The game against Saudi Arabia started slowly. The 58th-ranked team in the world pressed the USMNT and shut down passing lanes early, especially in the middle of the pitch. Both teams were trying to feel out their opponent and played cautiously. Richards, however, would be needed in the 31st minute of the match.
Off a quick counter, right back Alex Freeman misjudged a pass near midfield, allowing Abdulrahman Al-Oboud a one-on-one chance against US goalkeeper Matt Freese. Richards made a 50-yard lung-busting run to perfectly time his slide tackle and block the shot. Looking at the replays, it’s likely that Al-Oboud’s shot was destined for the left side of Freese’s net.
The recovery and goal-saving tackle wasn’t the only defensive contribution Richards had on the night. He led all players with six tackles, achieved a 100% success rate in aerial duels, had five clearances, and two blocked shots. The 25-year-old played his best game for the USMNT, proving it might be time to consider him CB1, a title no one has pushed Tim Ream for until now.
Before the Gold Cup started, Richards was asked about the absence of key players like Christian Pulisic.
“I think one thing about Christian is that he’s not a vocal leader, but he’s someone who leads by example. So again, I think it’s a chance for not just me but for everybody around here to step up, whether it’s with their performance or whether it’s verbally. I know a lot of us are ready and willing to take that kind of role on, but me in particular, that’s something I’d like to do as well.” – USMNT Centerback Chris Richards.
The example Richards set on the field Thursday night shows he means business. His energy, strength, and raw talent were on display on both ends of the pitch. Without a doubt, he’s the reason this USMNT squad has already punched its ticket to the quarterfinals. With one more match against a good Haitian side in group play, he’ll have another opportunity to show just how in command of that backline he is.
When Richards started with the USMNT, analysts were divided about his future potential. As his club situation and playing time have improved, so have his chances of becoming the defensive leader the national team needs.
The 37-year-old Ream, who made his 71st USMNT cap against Saudi Arabia, has been the trusted centerback for at least the last three years. His 312 appearances for Premier League side Fulham, along with the wisdom of age, have helped him hold that spot.
The time is now for Richards to follow that same path. He’s not even in his footballing prime yet, but this next year and into the 2026 World Cup are crucial for himself and the USMNT. If he can show consistent play like he had against Saudi Arabia, the Stars and Stripes just got a lot tougher to play against.
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