Defender Chris Richards scored with a flick of the ball off a second-half free kick to carry the US to a 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia on Thursday evening, sending the People on to the Concacaf Gold Cuo 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 People, 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 in opposition to 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 up this system final October. However taking part in in opposition to No. 58 Saudi Arabia, the Sixteenth-ranked People confirmed little of the assault firepower they displayed in opposition to the No. 100 Soca Warriors.
The match noticed few actual probabilities on purpose by both staff. The People 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.
Matthew 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 check for the People 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 People limped into the Gold Cup on a four-match dropping streak that included a 4-0 rout by Switzerland of their last tune-up. And with most of the prime gamers both sitting out this event for private causes, accidents or taking part in within the Membership World Cup, Pochettino chosen a roster stuffed with comparatively untested and unproven gamers.
Lacking the event for the U.S. are regulars Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie, Timothy Weah, Gio Reyna, Antonee Robinson, Folarin Balogun and Sergiño Dest,