Concacaf Gold Cup 2025: United States defeated Saudi Arabia 1-0 on Thursday night, advancing to the CONCACAF Gold Cuo quarterfinals thanks to a goal by defender Chris Richards with a flick of the ball from a second-half free kick.
Following a 5-0 victory over a faltering Trinidad and Tobago in the first game, the Saudi Arabian guest team proved to be much more difficult to defeat, but Chris Richards’ goal in the 63rd minute was sufficient to secure the three points.
Following a dull first half in which the Saudis were seated deep and the USA had little penetration, the game began to pick up steam.
Crystal Palace defender Richards nearly headed a Jack McGlynn cross, but Nawaf Al Aqidi made a great stop.
In a packed box, Richards responded to Sebastian Berhalter’s deep free-kick with a half-volley on the slide that glanced home, causing the breakthrough.
Near the end of the game, there were altercations after Tyler Adams, a USA substitute, was shoved over. Herve Renard, the French coach of the Saudi team, hurried onto the field to break up the players.
In order to separate players involved in the altercation, USA coach Mauricio Pochettino also went onto the field.
Even though they lacked flare, Pochettino’s team demonstrated organization and stability heading into the competition after losing four in a row.
The Americans, who now have 42 victories, one defeat, and five draws in group play, secured a knockout berth with the victory and the 1-1 tie between Trinidad and Tobago and Haiti in the other match of Group D on Thursday in Houston. The United States, which has won 16 of 17 Gold Cups, will play Haiti in Group D on Sunday in Arlington, Texas.
Regulars Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, Gio Reyna, Antonee Robinson, Folarin Balogun, and Sergiño Dest are not present at the tournament for the United States.
