Crystal Palace defender helps secure Brazil draw as USA head to Copa America

BY LARRY HENRY JR

Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards helped the U.S. men’s national team rebound in a big way on Wednesday night as the Americans earned a first-ever draw with Brazil.

Richards started and played 90 minutes in Gregg Berhalter’s backline as the USMNT played out a 1-1 draw with Brazil – currently ranked fifth in the world – in their final pre-Copa America friendly. Richards was joined by Fulham defenders Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson in the match and all three went the distance in a bounce-back performance by the Americans.

Rodrygo and Christian Pulisic traded first-half goals while both teams’ goalkeepers played crucial roles in the match. Matt Turner made 11 saves for the U.S. while Alisson finished with six for Brazil.

The 24-year-old Richards rarely put a foot wrong in the match, making two interceptions, three defensive recoveries, and completing 89% of his passes (40/45). He also made a key tackle on Rodrygo in the 53rd minute before the Real Madrid man raced towards goal on a breakaway.

Richards entered the June international window fresh off a breakout campaign at Selhurst Park. After making just 10 appearances in 2022-23, Richards featured 30 times for the Eagles last season, helping Oliver Glasner’s men register a joint-best 10th-place finish in the English Premier League.

He will now aim to keep his starting job when the USMNT opens group stage play at the Copa America on June 23 against Bolivia at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.