USA Clinches Quarterfinal Spot in Austin vs Saudi Arabia
Austin, Texas – In front of 11,727 spectators at Q2 Stadium, the U.S. Men’s National Team defeated Saudi Arabia 1-0 in a tense, physical battle to clinch a spot in the 2025 Gold Cup Quarterfinals. With the win, the U.S. now sits at the top of Group D.
The battle for second place in Group D will be decided on Sunday, June 22, 2025, when Saudia Arabia faces Trinidad & Tobago at the Allegiant Stadium, in Las Vegas, and Haiti takes on the U.S. AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Kickoff for both matches is set for 6:00 PM CT.
Saudi Arabia 0–1 USA
From the kickoff, the U.S. came out controlling possession, frequently pushing the ball into Saudi Arabia territory. However, the team struggled to find cohesion in the final third. Saudi Arabia had the first threatening opportunity in the 19th minute, with Feras Al Brikan forcing a reflex save from goalkeeper Matt Freese, keeping the match level.
At the 28th minute, a hydration break was called with temperatures soaring at 86°F on the pitch. Not Much after, Chris Richards made a critical block inside the box, denying a clear shot from Abdulrahman Al Obud. USA quick countered, with Patrick Agyemang missing a golden change in 44th minute to close out the first half.
Ricardo Contreras Plaza - Otra X Favor
The second half began much like first, with the U.S. again testing Saudi Arabia defense. Patrick Agyemang had another early opportunity blocked by Nawaf Bu Washl. Just minutes later, Saudi Arabia struck the post from a close-range effort by Abdulrahman Al Obud, only for Jack McGlynn to test the Saudi keeper moments later on the counter.
The breakthrough came in the 62th minute, when Chris Richards scored with a header from a free kick, putting the U.S. up 1-0. Saudi Arabia players immediately appealed for a VAR review, but referee Marco Antonio Ortíz Nava upheld the goal.
Ricardo Contreras Plaza - Otra X Favor
Tensions flared again in the 83rd minute, when Patrick Agyemang and Saudi goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi collided mid-air close to , prompting U.S. players to appeal for review close to penalty box. No foul was awarded.
In the 88th minute both teams got into a heated moment that cleared both benches. While the situation deescalated, the referee issued a foul against the U.S., but the resulting free kick posed no real threat.
Ricardo Contreras Plaza - Otra X Favor
Tactical Breakdown
USA Formation: 4-2-3-1
The midfield showed promise in control but lacked penetration until set pieces came into play.
Saudi Arabia Formation: 4-3-3
Quick on counters but lacked finishing power and creativity near the box.
