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Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
USMNT, rescued by Chris Richards, clinches spot in Gold Cup knockouts with win over Saudi Arabia
For most of 90 sleepy minutes Thursday night in Austin, Texas, a U.S. men's national team littered with reserves probed and plodded. In their second Gold Cup group stage match, against a Saudi Arabia B-team, a makeshift squad of American fringe players suggested that they aren't quite ready for the international level. But in the 31st and 63rd minutes, one of a few exceptions, Chris Richards, saved the day. He led the U.S. to a 1-0 win, and to the Gold Cup knockout rounds. He also showed why he's a nailed-on starter at next summer's World Cup. Advertisement First, at the end of a 30-yard lung-busting sprint, Richards kept the U.S. goal unscathed in heroic fashion, with a lunging block, denying the Saudis their best chance of the game. And then, with the teams droning toward a 0-0 draw, Richards scored the evening's only goal off a set piece: The 1-0 win sent the U.S. through to the Gold Cup quarterfinals, likely atop Group D. There, in the knockout rounds, is where the fun — and the tougher tests — will begin, either against Costa Rica or Mexico. Here, in the group stage, was an opportunity for this depleted USMNT to put a rough pre-Gold Cup stretch behind them. But on Sunday, for the most part, they thudded back down to their underwhelming pre-tournament levels. USMNT struggles vs. Saudi Arabia The USMNT rode comfortably into Q2 Stadium, having relieved pressure and quieted noise with a 5-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago in its opener. Advertisement Then it played comfortably. And for about 15 or 20 minutes, that was a good thing. It bossed possession, snuffed out all Saudi threats in transition, and established its attacking shape high up the field. But, once in that shape, the Americans did nothing. They were too slow, too safe, too predictable — with their passing and off-ball movement. They were too narrow, and the two players who did spend most of the first half wide — Max Arfsten and Jack McGlynn — did nothing incisive or creative. (They are, after all, a fullback and a central midfielder, respectively.) In a national team of fringe players, Chris Richards stood tall as one of the USMNT's few World Cup locks at this Gold Cup. (Photo by Aric Becker/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images) (Aric Becker/ISI Photos/USSF via Getty Images) They raised questions about head coach Mauricio Pochettino's game model. But when Pochettino looked down the bench to find someone who could inject life into the U.S. attack, he saw … Brenden Aaronson, Paxten Aaronson and Quinn Sullivan. He typically has two international-level wingers, Christian Pulisic and Tim Weah, but one of the two is resting; the other is with Juventus at the Club World Cup (and, last night, the White House). Advertisement So, there was hardly any vertical running. There was hardly any purposeful dribbling or passing. There were a few teasing crosses from Arfsten, McGlynn and Malik Tillman; but through 40 minutes, the U.S. had just one shot, none on target, and 0.03 Expected Goals. And eventually, Saudi Arabia took advantage of the USMNT's blandness. It broke out into a few counterattacks. In the 31st minute, the U.S. left Abdulrahman Al Obud all alone on the left wing. He strode into the box, and into a shot, which was blocked by a flying Richards. Patrick Agyemang finally registered the USMNT's first shot on target, with a tame header, in the 45th minute. But for the most part, he was sloppy. Neither Tillman nor Diego Luna could really get into the game. The teams went to halftime at 0-0. Only a set piece, it seemed, could wake up the game. And before long, one did. Chris Richards, an emerging leader, rescues the U.S. Eight minutes into the second half, Richards got free on a corner, but nodded his header right down the goalkeeper's gut. Advertisement A few minutes later, Saudi Arabia carved up the U.S. on a counter, and struck the crossbar — though the offside flag was up. And a few minutes after that, Richards delivered. He latched onto Sebastian Berhalter's inswinging free kick. He airplaned away in celebration. Of the 11 starters on Thursday — Matt Freese, Richards, Tim Ream, Arfsten, Alex Freeman, Berhalter, Luca de la Torre, Luna, Tillman, McGlynn, Agyemang — he is the only World Cup lock. And after an impressive season at Crystal Palace in England, he is one of the few U.S. players rising toward their unmissable moment in 2026. He is emerging as a leader, a consistent presence with a dynamic personality, and one that the USMNT can rally around as next summer approaches.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Chris Richards rescues sleepy USMNT, clinches spot in Gold Cup knockouts with win over Saudi Arabia
AUSTIN, TEXAS - JUNE 19: Chris Richards #3 of the United States celebrates scoring during the second half against Saudi Arabia during a 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup Group D match at Q2 Stadium on June 19, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Aric Becker/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images) For most of 90 sleepy minutes Thursday night in Austin, Texas, a U.S. men's national team littered with reserves probed and plodded. In their second Gold Cup group stage match, against a Saudi Arabia B-team, a makeshift squad of American fringe players suggested that they aren't quite ready for the international level. But in the 31st and 63rd minutes, one of a few exceptions, Chris Richards, saved the day. He led the U.S. to a 1-0 win, and showed why he's a nailed-on World Cup starter. Advertisement First, at the end of a 30-yard lung-busting sprint, Richards kept the U.S. goal unscathed in heroic fashion, with a lunging block. And then, with the game droning toward a 0-0 draw, he scored its only goal off a set piece: The 1-0 win sent the U.S. through to the Gold Cup quarterfinals, likely atop Group D. There, in the knockout rounds, is where the fun — and the tougher tests — will begin, either against Costa Rica or Mexico. Here, in the group stage, was an opportunity for this depleted USMNT to put a rough pre-Gold Cup stretch behind them. But on Sunday, for the most part, they thudded back down to underwhelming levels. Advertisement The USMNT rode comfortably into Q2 stadium, having relieved pressure and quieted noise with a 5-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago in its opener. Then it played comfortably. And for about 15 or 20 minutes, that was a good thing. It bossed possession, snuffed out all Saudi threats in transition, and established its attacking shape high up the field. But, once in that shape, the Americans did nothing. They were too slow, too safe, too predictable — with their passing and off-ball movement. They were too narrow, and the two players who did spend most of the first half wide — Max Arfsten and Jack McGlynn — did nothing incisive or creative. (They are, after all, a fullback and a central midfielder, respectively.) They raised questions about head coach Mauricio Pochettino's game model. But when Pochettino looked down the bench to find someone who could inject life into the U.S. attack, he saw … Brenden Aaronson, Paxten Aaronson and Quinn Sullivan. He typically has two international-level wingers, Christian Pulisic and Tim Weah, but one of the two is resting; the other is with Juventus at the Club World Cup (and, last night, the White House). Advertisement So there was hardly any vertical running. There was hardly any purposeful dribbling or passing. Through 40 minutes, the U.S. had just one shot, none on target, and 0.03 Expected Goals. And eventually, Saudi Arabia took advantage of the USMNT's blandness. It broke out into a few counterattacks. In the 31st minute, the U.S. left Abdulrahman Al Obud all alone on the left wing. He strode into the box, and into a shot, which was blocked by a flying Richards. Patrick Agyemang finally registered the USMNT's first shot on target, with a tame header. But for the most part, he was sloppy. Neither Malik Tillman nor Diego Luna could really get into the game. The teams went to halftime at 0-0. Eight minutes into the second half, Richards got free on a corner, but nodded his header right down the goalkeeper's gut. Advertisement A few minutes later, Saudi Arabia carved up the U.S. on a counter, and struck the crossbar — though the offside flag was up. And a few minutes after that, Richards delivered. He latched onto Sebastian Berhalter's inswinging free kick. He airplaned away in celebration. Of the 11 starters on Thursday — Matt Freese, Richards, Tim Ream, Arfsten, Alex Freeman, Berhalter, Luca de la Torre, Luna, Tillman, McGlynn, Agyemang — he is the only World Cup lock. And after an impressive season at Crystal Palace in England, he is one of the few U.S. players rising toward their unmissable moment in 2026.
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
🚨 USMNT names starting XI ahead of Saudi Arabia clash
The United States look to go clear at top of Group D as they face tournament invitees Saudi Arabia in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Here is how Mauricio Pochettino's side will line up at Q2 Stadium. The United States are level on points with Saudi Arabia after both teams won their opening match. 📸 Jed Jacobsohn - 2025 Getty Images
Fox Sports
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
2025 Gold Cup stadiums, locations and host cities
The 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup gets underway this week with matches set to run from June 14 to July 6. Sixteen national teams will compete in the biennial tournament, which crowns the best men's team in North America, Central America and the Caribbean. Below is the full list of stadiums selected to host matches, listed by city, along with previous Gold Cup appearances: Where is the 2025 Gold Cup? Who is the host? The 2025 Gold Cup will be staged across 14 stadiums in 11 metropolitan areas in the United States and Canada. 2025 Gold Cup Stadiums AT&T Stadium – Arlington, TX (2009, 2011, 2013, 2017, 2021, 2023) Q2 Stadium – Austin, TX (2021) Dignity Health Sports Park – Carson, CA (2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2015) NRG Stadium – Houston, TX (2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2019, 2021, 2023) Shell Energy Stadium – Houston, TX (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023) SoFi Stadium – Inglewood, CA (2023) Allegiant Stadium – Las Vegas, NV (2021, 2023) U.S. Bank Stadium – Minneapolis, MN (first-time host) State Farm Stadium – Phoenix, AZ (2009, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023) Snapdragon Stadium – San Diego, CA (2023) PayPal Park – San Jose, CA (first-time host) Levi's Stadium – Santa Clara, CA (2017, 2023) CITYPARK – St. Louis, MO (2023) BC Place – Vancouver, Canada (first-time host) Where does the USMNT play? The USMNT will have three group stage games in Group D. Check out the schedule below (all times Eastern): Sunday, June 15: USA vs. Trinidad and Tobago (6 p.m. ET) at PayPal Park in San Jose, CA Thursday, June 19: USA vs. Saudi Arabia (9:15 p.m. ET) at Q2 Stadium in Austin, TX Sunday, June 22: USA vs. Haiti (7 p.m. ET) AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX Where is the 2025 Gold Cup Final? The quarterfinals will be held June 28 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ and June 29 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Semifinals will be held on July 2 at both Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA and CITYPARK in St. Louis, MO. The Final will be held on July 6 at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX. This year's edition marks the first time the Gold Cup will be played in both the U.S. and Canada, with Vancouver's BC Place serving as a first-time host venue. recommended Get more from Gold Cup Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more in this topic
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Austin FC and YETI extend relationship and announce new offerings for the 2025 season
This story has been updated to add photo video. Change is no stranger to Austin, and the city's sole professional sports team is no different. As Austin FC takes the field for its fifth season, the team will do so with a freshly designed uniform and new faces on the field. However, one thing that won't be changing in the near future is having 'YETI' emblazoned on the front of each jersey. On Tuesday night, Austin FC and YETI, the club's founding partner, announced that the organizations have agreed to a multi-year partnership extension. Austin-based YETI is best known for its iconic coolers, drinkware, outdoor equipment and has been the leading sponsor of Los Verdes since the club's inaugural season in 2021. 'It's hard to imagine two organizations that better capture the spirit of Austin than YETI and Austin FC,' said Austin FC President Andy Loughnane. 'YETI has been a special part of our club since the very beginning, we look forward to our continued partnership for years to come.' More: First look: Austin FC pays homage to fans with 'Heartbeat Kit'. Here's how to get jersey. The two brands don't just work together on the field as in 2024, Austin FC and YETI launched Evergreen — a year-round platform to amplify ongoing sustainability initiatives. The Evergreen initiative led to Q2 Stadium earning True Certification for zero waste through three pillars: Green & Clean, Resource Efficiency, and Waste Diversion. In collaboration with YETI, water stations will continue to be available inside Austin FC's Q2 Stadium, allowing fans to sustainably refresh and rehydrate. Fans can enjoy these YETI water stations at the Southeast, Northwest, or Southwest corners of the stadium 'It's been incredible watching the Austin community embrace and celebrate Austin FC over the last four years,' said Bill Neff, head of marketing for YETI. 'The Austin FC organization has been such a great partner and we're really proud of all we've accomplished together. We look forward to building on this partnership in the coming years.' Beyond the uniform sponsorship, YETI will now integrate its products in the different club spaces of Q2 Stadium. This includes the introduction of the new YETI Camino bag. Last week Austin FC came out with a new green-on-green jersey, a first for the club, for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. This jersey features YETI on the front as well as design details created in conjunction with the team's fans. Beck Andrew Salgado covers trending topics in the Austin business ecosystem for the American-Statesman. To share additional tips or insights with Salgado, email Bsalgado@ This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin FC to YETI extend sponsorship and announce new 2025 offerings
