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USMNT vs. Saudi Arabia player ratings: Score, grades, stats as Richards dominates USA Gold Cup match

Only one team had any interest in playing football in Austin on Thursday night, and that team would emerge victorious as a Chris Richards goal saw the United States down Saudi Arabia to secure a knockout stage place at the Gold Cup.

Saudi Arabia, invited to participate as a guest in the biennial CONCACAF title tournament, parked the bus throughout the match and attempted to waste time at every opportunity. They were successful in grinding the U.S. buildup to a halt through the first 45 minutes, but Richards provided the necessary breakthrough in an otherwise clunky game.

Richards was the star of the show, also contributing a key defensive moment to prevent one of Saudi Arabia’s only moves forward into the attacking third.

MORE: Why are Saudi Arabia playing in the CONCACAF Gold Cup?

Patrick Agyemang did his best to provide physicality up front, and Diego Luna was energetic, but all U.S. attackers struggled with their first touch which let them down throughout the match.

Thanks to Richard’s intervention, the victory qualifies the United States for the knockout stage, and just a point against Haiti in the final match would see them win the group outright. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, are still in a strong position themselves, and could still go through with a point against Trinidad & Tobago in the final match.

The Sporting News followed the Saudi Arabia vs. USA match live, providing score updates, commentary, and analysis.

JUMP TO: Player ratings | Team news and lineups | Match stats | How to watch

USA vs. Saudi Arabia final score

  Score Goal scorers
Saudi Arabia 0 –
USA 1 Richards (64′)

Location: Q2 Stadium (Austin, TX)
Referee: Marco Antonio Ortiz Nava (MEX)

Starting lineups:

Saudi Arabia (5-4-1, right to left): 1. Alaqidi (GK) — 12. Abdulhamid, 4. Al-Amri, 5. Madu, 13. Al-Boushail (Al-Shahafi, 76′) — 24. Al-Obood, 6. Al-Hassan (Sheik, 57′), 16. Al-Johani — 26. Majrashi, 9. Al-Buraikan (Al-Salem, 85′), 15. Ahmed (Al-Shehri, 57′).

USA (4-2-3-1, right to left): 25. Freese (GK) — 16. Freeman (M. Robinson, 89′), 3. Richards, 13. Ream, 18. Arfsten — 8. Berhalter, 14. de la Torre (Adams, 62′) — 6. McGlynn (Downs, 62′), 17. Tillman, 10. Luna (B. Aaronson, 76′)— 24. Agyemang (Cardoso, 89′).

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USA vs. Saudi Arabia stats

Saudi Arabia Stat USA
3 Shots 5
1 Shots on target 3
0.27 Expected goals 0.72
32% Possession 68%
187 Accurate passes 458
2 Corners 4
8 Fouls 8
1 Yellow cards 2

USA vs. Saudi Arabia goals, key moments from Gold Cup group match

89th min: SCUFFLE! Tyler Adams is dumped to the turf by an extra-curricular shove, and Sebastian Berhalter looks to protect his captain by squaring up. Then, out comes Saudi Arabia manager Herve Renard who at first pulls his player away before getting in the middle of the fracas. That brings Mauricio Pochettino out as well to break up the player scrum, and ultimately multiple yellow cards are shown.

Seven minutes of stoppage time will be played.

77th min: Patrick Agyemang beats a defender physically for a ball forward and goes down under a challenge from the Saudi Arabia goalkeeper, but nothing is called! Replay shows the goalkeeper takes a healthy hack at Agyemang’s shin just outside the penalty area, but VAR waves play on as there isn’t enough evidence of a clear and obvious error.

Alaqidi got away with that one!

64th min: GOAL! USA! CHRIS RICHARDS GETS ON THE END OF A FREE-KICK AND SLIDES TO POKE IT HOME!

There’s a long VAR check for offside, and it appears to be very close, but it survives a review, as there appears to not be enough evidence for an overturn!

A fully deserved goal, as Saudi Arabia have had absolutely no desire to play football tonight, trying to slow the game down and waste time at every opportunity. This should open the game up much more.

63rd min: Mauricio Pochettino makes a pair of changes, bringing Tyler Adams in for Luca de la Torre and adding a striker in Damion Downs for Jack McGlynn.

54th min: Chance, USA! Chris Richards got his head to a Jack McGlynn corner but blazes the effort right at the goalkeeper! A huge missed opportunity for the U.S. in a game bereft of many chances!

2nd half kickoff: No changes for either side as the second half gets under way. That’s not surprising for Saudi Arabia, who kept a lid on the USMNT, but it’s a bit interesting that Mauricio Pochettino did not make any alterations. We’ll see if he made any tactical tweaks.

HALFTIME: Saudi Arabia 0-0 USA

The first 45 minutes of this match were a total slog for both sides, largely because Saudi Arabia utterly parked the bus. The threshold for the Saudis to get out on the counter was incredibly high, as they took very few risks to try and threaten the U.S.

The United States worked very hard in an effort to break down the Saudi low block, but ultimately came up completely empty. They had just two total shots through the opening half, which just simply isn’t good enough regardless of the opponent’s approach.

20th min: Saudi Arabia have completely bunkered in a low block and have absolutely no intention of trying to score on the United States. It has ground the game to a standstill, with the USMNT holding 80% possession but unable to do anything with it given how tightly packed their opponent are defensively.

Kickoff: They’re under way at Q2 Stadium! With Haiti and Trinidad & Tobago drawing in the early Group D match, a potential winner of this game tonight would mathematically secure a quarterfinal berth.

USA vs. Saudi Arabia: Pre-match commentary, analysis, more

1 hour to kickoff: The lineup is out, and Mauricio Pochettino has made no changes to the side that beat Trinidad & Tobago 5-0! The head man has kept the faith in the players that ended their four-game winning streak. Will it be as effective against a stiffer opponent?

2 hours to kickoff: Goalkeeper Matt Turner has been one of the most locked-in players on the USMNT team sheet over the last few years, but after a few seasons struggling at the club level, and a failure to keep his level up on national team duty, his position has been open to competition.

In steps Matt Freese, who has performed well with NYCFC and took his few early chances this Gold Cup. The leash won’t be long, but for now, it seems Freese has won the starting job after Turner struggled against Switzerland in the pre-tournament friendly.

USMNT player ratings vs. Saudi Arabia

USA starters

Mauricio Pochettino selected an unchanged starting XI from the 5-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago. The only changes were to the substitutes, as Damion Downs, Tyler Adams, and Johnny Cardoso returned to the bench while Nathan Harriel, Haji Wright, and Chris Brady were screatched.

Goalkeeper: Matt Freese — 6

It’s not like Matt Freese has been exceptional in a USMNT shirt through his two appearances this summer, but Matt Turner was poor against Switzerland, and that was all the excuse Mauricio Pochettino needed to make a change. This spot will be occupied by Freese, at least this summer, until such time when a change is once again necessitated.

Had very little to do. Made one good save from a tight angle midway through the first half to prevent the lone Saudi chance on the counter. Commanded his penalty area well down the stretch when Saudi Arabia finally managed to push forward at the death.

Right-back: Alex Freeman — 5

Aside from one friendly, Alex Freeman has held down the starting spot at right-back this summer, holding on for now with Sergino Dest still recovering from injury and Joe Scally left out.

Found himself a little too far forward at times in the first half, and then appeared spooked by those moments, failing to get involved at all afterwards.

Center-back: Chris Richards — 9

At this point, Chris Richards is the number one center-back on the USMNT depth chart, and regardless of who his partner is, he should be in the spot unless his performance levels drop significantly or he loses his place at Crystal Palace.

Made a heroic, goal-saving block in the 31st minute to prevent a one-on-one chance for Saudi Arabia.

Rose high for the best U.S. chance of the opening hour as he connected on a corner, but headed it right at the goalkeeper, a wasted chance. Got to redeem himself with the game’s opening goal just past the hour mark, finishing strongly on a free-kick. He may have been offside, but the review wasn’t conclusive.

Was strong defensively down the stretch protecting the lead, winning multiple defensive headers in the penalty area to turn Saudi Arabia away.

Center-back: Tim Ream — 6

Tim Ream may be 37 years old and not even the best American center-back at his club Charlotte FC, but he has, for now, retained the starting role at the USMNT as the others have all faltered around him.

Had very little defending to do in the first half, but was safe in possession. Recycled possession well late in the first half which resulted in a chance. Didn’t put a foot wrong defensively, which was a positive, although he didn’t have much to do overall.

Left-back: Max Arfsten — 7

Max Arfsten is the only player on the USMNT roster to start all four games so far this summer. He was poor in the friendlies, but as part of the XI to beat Trinidad & Tobago emphatically, he continues in this position for now. John Tolkin, a late add to the roster, will have to wait his turn.

Forced into a main creative role with Saudi Arabia clogging the middle. Made a good run in the 18th minute to get space for the shot, but failed to take the hit until he had been closed down a fourth time and the shot was blocked. Strayed offside to end a promising build-up in the 30th minute, but replay showed the decision was quite a poor one.

His cross from the left late in the first half was great and created a chance for Patrick Agyemang. Had less to do in the second half but didn’t make any defensive mistakes.

Midfielder: Sebastian Berhalter — 7

The son of former USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter, Sebastian has been solid for the USMNT this summer after impressing for the Vancouver Whitecaps so far this season.

Had a few moments in the buildup, but nothing terribly notable. Didn’t lose possession, which is a positive. Great defensive work late in the first half to cut down a Saudi move forward.

Picked up the assist on the opening goal after his free-kick fell to the feet of Chris Richards.

Midfielder: Luca de la Torre — 5

One of the only impressive performers from the European friendlies, Luca de la Torre has emerged as one of the few standout players for the USMNT this summer so far.

Safe on the ball but offered very little going forward.

Right winger: Jack McGlynn — 6

One of Mauricio Pochettino’s biggest wins this summer so far has been deploying Jack McGlynn, traditionally a central midfielder, on the right wing. His two-way presence of defensive contributions and attacking progression, paired with his ferocious left foot, has been a natural fit at the position.

Heavily involved in possession. His inch-perfect cross for Patrick Agyemang in the 33rd minute nearly resulted in the opening goal. Didn’t provide the same jolt of energy to the USMNT in a wide role as he had in previous matches this summer.

An excellent corner delivery to the back post for the Chris Richards chance on 54 minutes.

Attacking midfielder: Malik Tillman — 6

After a two-goal performance against Trinidad & Tobago, Malik Tillman returns to the No. 10 role for the USMNT against Saudi Arabia.

Barely got on the ball through the first half, with just 15 total touches. That’s not enough for the team’s main playmaker, even if Saudi Arabia’s clear effort through that first half was to take away the central areas.

Great counter-pressing won the ball back in a dangerous area early in the second half, leading to a U.S. chance. Wasted a counter-attack chance with 20 minutes to go with a heavily overcooked cross while being closed down.

Left winger: Diego Luna — 5

A workhorse winger who has earned the trust and praise of Mauricio Pochettino, Diego Luna continues to work hard on the left, contributing two assists against Trinidad & Tobago.

Wasn’t one of the most creative U.S. attackers in the first half but was active defensively when called upon. Needed more from him in the attempt to break down Saudi Arabia.

Luna seemed hesitant to take opponents on one-on-one, and his efforts to combine with teammates were often sniffed out. His first touch consistently let him down, and he picked up a ridiculous yellow card in the 67th minute — who knows what the referee saw there.

Striker: Patrick Agyemang — 6

While other strikers fade into oblivion when not scoring goals, Patrick Agyemang has been impressive both on and off the ball up front for the USMNT in his short time in the squad. His hold-up play and distribution has been just as good as his danger in front of net.

Did his absolute best to help the U.S. break down the bunkered low block of Saudi Arabia in the first half. Combined very well with Malik Tillman to create the first real U.S. chance on goal in the 24th minute. Used his physicality and technical ability to help the attack cause danger, and put a header on frame late in the first half which could have been placed better.

USA substitutes

62nd min: Tyler Adams — 6

Came on for Luca de la Torre and offered a safe shield of the U.S. back line, especially once the game opened up after the Richards goal.

62nd min: Damion Downs — 5

Came on for Jack McGlynn. Gave good energy and made good runs but was sloppy with his influential moments. His cross for Patrick Agyemang in front of goal with 10 minutes to go was poor. Was clean through on goal in the 84th minute on a pass from Malik Tillman but was hesitant and failed to win the last-gasp challenge to get free, injured on the play as a result.

76th min: Brenden Aaronson — 5

Entered for Diego Luna and took 10 minutes to have an impact. Dispossessed in midfield in the 87th minute with his only chance to get forward. Like many U.S. players, struggled with first touches.

89th min: Johnny Cardoso — N/A

89th min: Miles Robinson — N/A

USA vs. Saudi Arabia lineups, team news

Saudi Arabia have not brought their best team to the Gold Cup, as their ranks have been reduced thanks to Al Hilal’s participation in the Club World Cup and the fact others have been granted a rest. Experienced veterans Mohammed Al-Owais, Sultan Al-Ghannam, Ali Al-Bulaihi, Yasser Al-Shahrani, Salem Al-Dawsari, Nasser Al-Dawsari, and Abdullah Al-Hamdan are all missing while on club duty.

Even so, every single player save four on the Saudi Arabia roster play domestically in the Saudi Pro League. The only exceptions are Faisal Al-Ghamdi and Marwan Al-Sahafi who both play for Belgian side Beerschot, Roma defender Saud Abdulhamid, and midfielder Muhannad Al-Saad who is with Ligue 2 side Dunkerque in France.

Only one other player on the roster besides central striker Saleh Al-Shehri, who scored in the win against Haiti, has more than two international goals to their name. That would be Firas Al-Buraikan who has been rotated into the lineup for this match after coming off the bench in the opener.

Saudi Arabia starting lineup (4-3-3): Alaqidi (GK) — Abdulhamid, Al-Amri, Madu, Al-Boushail — Al-Obood, Al-Hassan, Al-Johani — Majrashi, Al-Buraikan, Ahmed.

Saudi Arabia subs: Al-Kassar (GK), Al-Sanbi (GK), Sulaiman, Al-Najdi, Shanqeeti, Al-Asmari, M. Ali, Al-Ghamdi, Al-Ammar, Al-Sahafi, Al-Shehri, Al-Salem.

Tyler Adams told The Sporting News he’s dealing with turf toe. After missing the second friendly and opening Gold Cup game, he has returned to USMNT training and should be available for this match, although US Soccer has taken a cautious approach with Adams in the past and he does not start.

Matt Freese started the opener in goal after Matt Turner was poor in the friendly against Switzerland, and there’s no indication that Pochettino will switch goalkeepers now. In fact, there’s a high likelihood that the entire XI from the opening-round win will see the field again, unless the likes of Haji Wright or Johnny Cardoso are set to be rotated back in.

MORE: How USMNT players fared in embarrassing defeat to Switzerland | Player ratings from 2-1 defeat to Turkey

Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah were left off the USMNT roster at the players’ behest, having asked to rest for the summer. Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Gio Reyna are all participating in the Club World Cup and have stayed with their clubs, while Josh Sargent, Joe Scally, and Tanner Tessmann were all passed over for “football reasons” as Pochettino described it.

Meanwhile, Antonee Robinson had knee surgery to solve a chronic issue that has plagued him for months, Folarin Balogun sustained an ankle injury, Ricardo Pepi continues to rehab from a long-term knee injury, Sergino Dest withdrew from the squad to protect his recent recovery from a torn ACL. Zack Steffen suffered a knee injury in pre-tournament camp.

Scratches for tonight are Chris Brady, Haji Wright, and Nathan Harriel who have not dressed for this match. Wright is dealing with an Achilles issue, U.S. Soccer told The Sporting News.

USA starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Freese (GK) — Freeman, Richards, Ream, Arfsten — Berhalter, de la Torre — McGlynn, Tillman, Luna— Agyemang.

USA subs: Turner (GK), Tolkin, Zimmerman, M. Robinson, McKenzie, Cardoso, Adams, P. Aaronson, B. Aaronson, Sullivan, White, Downs.

How to watch USA vs. Saudi Arabia in Gold Cup

The entirety of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup will be broadcast by Fox Sports, with this USMNT opener televised on FS1.

Some matches, including the USMNT’s opener against Trinidad & Tobago, will be televised on FOX network channel.

All games on Fox family of channels will be available to stream on Fubo, who are offering a free trial for new users.

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