Gold Cup: USMNT nips Saudi Arabia, earns spot in quarters

The U.S. men's national team used Chris Richards' 63rd-minute goal to clinch a berth in the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals with a 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in a Group D match in Austin, Texas, on Thursday.

The Americans (2-0-0, 6 points) can secure first place in the group with a win or a draw on Sunday against Haiti (0-1-1, 1 point) in Arlington, Texas. They have a plus-6 edge in goal difference over the second-place Saudis (1-1-0, 3 points), who face Trinidad & Tobago (0-1-1, 1 point) in Las Vegas on Sunday.

Mexico and Costa Rica have also clinched quarterfinal spots.

Richards, who saved a potential goal in the first half, used his left foot to redirect a free kick by Sebastian Berhalter. The son of former USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter earned his first career assist in his third match.

For Richards, it was his second goal in 27 matches. Then defender's first came June 18, 2023, against Canada.

Matt Freese, in his third U.S. match, made one save for his second straight shutout.

U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino used the same neophyte lineup from the 5-0 win against Trinidad & Tobago on Sunday. Eight of the 11 starters were 25 or younger and averaged 16 appearances, seven in official competition.

It was a frustrating first half from the Americans' perspective. According to OptaJack, only nine of 424 touches were in the box as the U.S. was either unwilling or unable to attack the defense.

It was ironic because much of the play ran down the left flank to Max Arfsten, whose Columbus Crew coach Wilfried Nancy preaches "possession with a purpose."

There was little purpose. That's why it took until the 45th minute to register a shot on goal when the soft header by Patrick Agyemang was easily gathered by Nawaf Al-Aqidi.

The highlight for the USMNT in the opening half was Richards tracking 25 yards to make a sliding block of what was going to be a clean look by Abdulrahman Al Obud.

The U.S. has won the Gold Cup seven times since its inception in 1991, the most recent being in 2021, second to Mexico's nine titles.