USMNT downs Saudi Arabia to seal Gold Cup knockout round spot
The U.S. men’s national team sealed its spot into the CONCACAF Gold Cup knockout stage after grinding out a slim victory over Saudi Arabia on Thursday.
Chris Richards’ second-half goal was all Mauricio Pochettino’s squad needed to earn a 1-0 win at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. The result propelled the Americans into the quarterfinal round, where they will eventually meet either Mexico or Costa Rica.
Feras Al Brikan had the best offensive look for Saudi Arabia in the 20th minute, but Matt Freese dove down to make a comfortable save at his near post.
Abdulrahman Al Obud looked set to test Freese for the second time in the opening half but the aforementioned Richards raced back to deny the forward with a heroic tackle.
Patrick Agyemang’s header in the 45th minute was the USMNT’s lone effort on target before halftime.
The USMNT started picking up the pressure in the second half with Richards delivering the breakthrough goal in the 58th minute. Sebastian Berhalter’s free kick was flicked past Nawaf Al-Aqidi by Richards for the defender’s second USMNT goal.
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The USMNT closes out group stage play on Sunday against Haiti in Arlington, Texas.
