Chris Richards using USMNT as “outlet” despite lack of minutes at Crystal Palace

Chris Richards has made only six appearances for English Premier League side Crystal Palace since the start of the 2023-24 campaign, but even with limited playing time in South London, the American defender is keeping his head high.

Richards is one of four center backs called into the U.S. men’s national team squad for the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals against Trinidad & Tobago. The 23-year-old is joined by Tim Ream, Cameron Carter-Vickers, and Miles Robinson for the two-legged showdown in Austin, Texas and Port-of-Spain, Trinidad over the next week.

Minutes have been scarce again for Richards this season as he tries to navigate through his second campaign in England. Despite limited opportunities at Crystal Palace, Richards has started in each of the USMNT’s last four matches, helping the Americans register three shutout victories.

The Alabama native has had a tough go of late at Crystal Palace, but remains confident ahead of a pair of must-win matches.

“I know that when I’m coming here, it’s always good to get around these guys, but it’s also good to play with them and kind of use that as my outlet,” Richards said Tuesday in a press conference. “It keeps me going through the month knowing that hopefully I’ll get a game or two with the national team.”

Richards joined the Eagles in June 2022 after spending the prior few seasons with German giants Bayern Munich. After a leg injury forced him to miss most of the fall schedule, Richards returned to action over the winter and even started in a pair of matches against Manchester United, as well as a home showdown vs. Newcastle United.

Despite featuring only once over the final 15 league matches last season, Richards excelled in the Nations League Final Four, starting in victories over Mexico and Canada, while also scoring against the Canadians in the tournament final.

Gregg Berhalter has continued to trust Richards in the USMNT squad and the…

Source link : https://sbisoccer.com/2023/11/chris-richards-using-usmnt-as-outlet-despite-lack-of-minutes-at-crystal-palace

Author : Larry Henry Jr

Publish date : 2023-11-14 23:43:42

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