The United States men’s national team could not have dreamed a better start to the CONCACAF Nations League final on Sunday night.
Center-back Chris Richards grabbed the game’s opening goal — the first of his international career — to nod the USMNT in front of Canada at Allegiant Stadium. The US capitalized fully on an encouraging start in its quest to retain the Nations League title it won in 2021.
Richards from Reyna
Gio Reyna — whose USMNT future could soon be under the microscope — stepped up to make his case once again as one of the country’s fundamental players. His set piece delivery met Richards’ head perfeclty, and the defender snuck through the Canada defense to beat goalkeeper Milan Borjan with a bulleted effort.
This has been a moment in the making for Richards, who capped his 10th appearance for the USMNT with a goal — after missing the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar with a leg injury. The former Bayern Munich defender was expected to play a huge role in the tournament, but may have to settle for consecutive CONCACAF Nations League crowns instead.