AUSTIN, Texas — Defender Chris Richards scored with a flick of the ball off a second-half free kick to elevate america to a 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia on Thursday evening, sending the Individuals on to the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals.
Richards tracked the ball because it flew into the field on a curving free kick from Sebastian Berhalter within the 62nd minute to faucet the ball together with his left foot previous Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aquidi.
The win and the 1-1 draw between Trinidad and Tobago and Haiti in Group D’s different match Thursday in Houston, clinched a knockout berth for the Individuals, 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 towards Haiti at Arlington, Texas.
U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino caught with the identical lineup that produced a 5-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday, the primary time he made no modifications in consecutive matches since taking on this system final October.
However taking part in towards No. 58 Saudi Arabia, the Sixteenth-ranked Individuals confirmed little of the assault firepower they displayed towards the No. 100 Soca Warriors.
The match noticed few actual probabilities on purpose by both group. The Individuals had only one shot within the first half. Richards’ velocity to trace again to cowl for Alex Freeman’s mistake and block a shot stored Saudi Arabia from a 1-0 lead.
Matt Freese acquired his second consecutive begin in purpose for the U.S. and third in 4 matches as he seems to have displaced Matt Turner.
The Gold Cup represents the final aggressive take a look at for the Individuals forward of the 2026 World Cup. As co-host with Mexico and Canada, the U.S. is an automated qualifier for the World Cup.
The Individuals limped into the Gold Cup on a four-match shedding streak that included a 4-0 rout by Switzerland of their remaining tune-up.
And with most of the prime gamers both sitting out this match for private causes, accidents or taking part in within the Membership World Cup, Pochettino chosen a roster filled with comparatively untested and unproven gamers.
Lacking the match for the U.S. are regulars Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, Gio Reyna, Antonee Robinson, Folarin Balogun and Sergiño Dest,
