The U.S. men’s national soccer team stayed unbeaten in the 2025 Gold Cup with a 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia in a group match Thursday at Q2 Stadium in Austin. Coupled with a 5-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago in the U.S.’s first Gold Cup match Sunday, the victory gives the U.S. six points and firm control of Group D after two matches.
Sebastian Berhalter, a former player with Austin FC, found center back Chris Richards for the match’s only goal in the 63rd minute off a free kick.
The USMNT improved to 6-0 at Q2 Stadium, the home of Austin FC of Major League Soccer. The other victories in Austin came against Qatar in the 2021 Gold Cup, Jamaica in a 2021 World Cup qualifier, Grenada in a 2022 Concacaf Nations League match, Trinidad and Tobago in a 2023 Concacaf Nations League match and in a 2024 friendly against Panama.
Read below for highlights and a replay of the Gold Cup match between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.
Fulltime: U.S. 1, Saudi Arabia 0
A minor scuffle and a Saudi chance on a free kick, but the US holds onto a 1-0 win and three more points in Group D, which all but assures that the Americans will reach the knockout stage of the Gold Cup.
80′: U.S. 1, Saudi Arabia 0
Despite having a lead, the US keeps attacking. They want to secure the win, the three points and tighten the grip on the top spot in Group D. Both these teams are favorites to advance out of group play and into the knockout round, by the way.
70′: U.S. 1, Saudi Arabia 0
We’re at the second-half water break. Subs Tyler Adams and Damion Downs have made a difference for the US, which is fully on the front foot. Heck, the fans are even attempting the wave despite the wide swaths of empty seats.
68′: U.S. 1, Saudi Arabia 0
More good news for the US. Tyler Adams, who has been battling an injury, subs in for his Gold Cup debut. The midfielder for Bournemouth is one of the top players for a US side lacking star power in this tournament.
63′: U.S. 1, Saudi Arabia 0
Goal! US! Chris Thomas darts into the box on a free kick and slides a shot into the left corner with his left foot. A nice ball from Sebastian Berhalter, who, by the way, is the first player with Austin FC ties to suit up for the US national team. Berhalter played one season on loan for Verde in 2021.
58′: U.S. 0, Saudi Arabia 0
A Saudi counter, a shot by Ali Alasmari from the left side, a deflection off the crossbar. That’s the best chance by either side, and the US is lucky to remain even.
53′: U.S. 0, Saudi Arabia 0
US forward Patrick Agyemang continues to make his presence felt in front of goal, and the US has already forced two corner kicks early in the second half. Center back Chris Richards gets off a quality header off the second corner. For the first time in this match, the fans can sense a US goal.
Halftime: U.S. 0, Saudi Arabia 0
The US spent plenty of time probing around the 18-yard box late in the first half, but the Saudis are a disciplined defensive bunch. The Americans’ best chance comes after Max Arfsten again breaks down the defense and Patrick Agyemang gets off a clean header for the first shot on frame by the US. But the ball goes right to Saudi keeper Nawaf Al Aqidi, and a less-than-artist first half comes to an end.
38′: U.S. 0, Saudi Arabia 0
The game has opened up a bit but the US still doesn’t have a shot on target. Left back Max Arfsten has had his way with the Saudi defense; let’s see if the Americans keep leaning into that side of the attack.
30′: U.S. 0, Saudi Arabia 0
A defensive miscue allows Abdul Rahman Alobud to race freely down the left side, but US center back Chris Richards sprints back to block an open shot at goal. Great hustle from Richards may have just saved a goal.
25′: U.S. 0, Saudi Arabia 0
A water break. Just for some compare-and-contrast stuff, the high temperature tomorrow in the Saudi capital of Riyadh is forecasted to be 110 F. The US has been a bit shaky in the last few minutes on the back row; let’s see if the USD midfield can regain some control.
21′: U.S. 0, Saudi Arabia 0
Feras Al Brikan gets loose on a counter for Saudi Arabia and makes U.S. goalie Matt Freese work a bit for a save. It’s the Saudis’ first shot, and it’s a warning to a US side that has started to provide constant pressure up top.
14′: U.S. 0, Saudi Arabia 0
The U.S builds some pressure, and a well-placed corner kick from Sebastian Berhalter almost finds the head of big forward Patrick Agyemang. The Americans are playing their way into this match.
7′: U.S. 0, Saudi Arabia 0
Teams are feeling each other out early, with neither side generating much of an attack. The match lacks the energy of an Austin FC match for the locals, but that’s what happens when ticket prices on SeatGeek don’t drop below $100 and Q2 Stadium remains half empty.
U.S. soccer vs. Saudi Arabia: Starting XI
Today’s USMNT starting XI vs. Saudi Arabia includes: GK Matt Freese, DF Chris Richards, MF Jack McGlynn, MF Sebastian Berhalter, MF Diego Luna, D Tim Ream (Capt.), MF Luca de la Torre, D Alex Freeman, F Malik Tillman, MF Max Arfsten and F Patrick Agyemang. First-year coach Mauricio Pochettino starts the same lineup that began Sunday’s Gold Cup opener against Trinidad and Tobago. It’s the first time Pochettino has run out the same starting XI in back-to-back matches.
U.S. soccer vs. Saudi Arabia: Haji Wright out for U.S.
U.S. forward Haji Wright will not dress for tonight’s match because of an issue with his left Achilles tendon, a team spokesman confirmed before the match. Wright came off the bench to score a goal in the Americans’ 5-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago Sunday in the Gold Cup opener for both squads, and he had been a candidate to start against Saudi Arabia.
What time does U.S. soccer play Saudi Arabia today?
How to watch U.S. soccer play Saudi Arabia today
TV: FS1
Streaming: Fubo
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This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: USMNT vs Saudi Arabia: Replay, highlights from Gold Cup match in Austin
Reporting by Thomas Jones, Austin American-Statesman / Austin American-Statesman
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
