BY EMMANUEL OGBONNA
The United States men’s national team received a timely boost ahead of its international friendly against Portugal, with defender Chris Richards confirming he has recovered from a recent knee issue and is available for selection. However, the squad will be without midfielder Johnny Cardoso, who is set to depart camp after aggravating an existing injury.
Richards, widely regarded as a cornerstone of the U.S. defense, missed the team’s heavy 5-2 defeat to Belgium national football team over the weekend. The absence was precautionary, following a knock he picked up while playing for Crystal Palace in a European fixture earlier this month. Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s match, Richards downplayed the severity of the issue, describing it as minor soreness that has steadily improved with individual training.
“I’m fine,” he said, indicating that he has been working separately from the main group but is now ready to return to full competition. His availability is expected to provide much-needed stability to a back line that struggled significantly in his absence.
In contrast, Cardoso’s situation has taken a less encouraging turn. The midfielder, who recently joined Atlético Madrid, started against Belgium but was substituted at halftime after experiencing discomfort. According to head coach Mauricio Pochettino, the plan had been to limit Cardoso’s minutes due to pre-existing concerns, but the issue resurfaced during the match, prompting his early withdrawal and subsequent exit from the squad.
Despite the setback, Pochettino expressed satisfaction with Cardoso’s contribution, praising his effort and willingness to play through minor physical concerns. The midfielder is expected to return to his club for further evaluation and recovery.
The U.S. team enters the Portugal match seeking a response after a disappointing performance against Belgium, where a promising first-half lead quickly unraveled. Weston McKennie had put the Americans ahead late in the first half, but the team conceded five unanswered goals, exposing defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of sustained intensity.
Reflecting on the match, Pochettino admitted he never felt comfortable, even after his side opened the scoring. He suggested that the goal masked underlying issues, noting that the team’s overall performance lacked the control and consistency required at the international level.
Attention has also turned to Christian Pulisic, who is currently enduring a goal drought at both club and international levels. The forward, who plays for AC Milan, has not scored in his last several appearances, prompting consideration of tactical adjustments.
Pochettino indicated he may experiment with Pulisic’s positioning, potentially deploying him in a more central role to increase his involvement in goal-scoring situations. The coach also hinted at broader tactical changes, including the possibility of reinforcing the midfield at the expense of attacking options in an effort to achieve better balance.
Beyond tactical concerns, Pochettino emphasized the importance of discipline and consistency, drawing an analogy between maintaining performance levels and adhering to a strict diet. He suggested that moments of success can sometimes lead to complacency, which in turn undermines sustained progress — a pattern he believes the team must avoid.
As the squad prepares to face Portugal national football team, the focus will be on correcting defensive lapses, integrating returning players like Richards, and finding ways to reignite attacking productivity. The match offers an opportunity for the United States to recalibrate and demonstrate resilience against high-level opposition.
Amid the competitive pressures, Pochettino also shared a lighter moment, joking about the challenges of managing a roster filled with similarly named players. With multiple variations of “Chris” and “Cristian” in the squad, the coach acknowledged that mastering names and nicknames has become an unexpected part of his tenure, adding a human touch to an otherwise demanding international campaign.
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