Defender Chris Richards scores off a curving free kick from Sebastian Berhalter in the second half, and the Americans hold on for a 1-0 win. The U.S. closes Group D play on Sunday against Haiti in Arlington, Texas.
Defender Chris Richards scored with a flick of the ball off a second-half free kick to lift the United States to a 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia on Thursday night, sending the Americans on to the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals.
Richards tracked the ball as it flew into the box on a curving free kick from Sebastian Berhalter in the 62nd minute to tap the ball with his left foot past Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aquidi.
The win and the 1-1 draw between Trinidad and Tobago and Haiti in Group D’s other match on Thursday in Houston, clinched a knockout berth for the Americans, who improved to 42-1-5 in group play.
