Chris Richards a critical part of USMNTs plans despite injury worry, friendly red flags

FAYETTEVILLE, Ga.— After what was an almost entirely positive Sunday for the U.S.

men’s national team, its biggest worry hung on into Monday and beyond.If Chris Richards, who stayed back in Fayetteville to rehab an injured ankle during the 3-2 win over Senegal in Charlotte, N.C., isn’t ready for the World Cup, the USMNT’s defense looks awfully thin without him.The good news on that front Monday was that Richards was on the final 26-man roster the USMNT submitted to FIFA.Changes due to injury are still allowed until 24 hours prior to the first match, so that hurdle was largely procedural, but it is a positive sign nonetheless.If he’s healthy enough to do so, Richards will almost certainly start, and if Mauricio Pochettino sticks with the formation he used Sunday, Richards would likely be the central center back in what was, on paper, a back three.

We saw why against Senegal.As organized as the Americans looked in possession, as dynamic and flowing a game as they played offensively against the Teranga Lions, there were still too many self-inflicted errors, which in turn led to moments in defensive transition when the back line was caught out.That was at the heart of both of Senegal’s goals, which started with turnovers from Antonee Robinson and Miles Robinson, respectively, as well as the bulk of chances the USMNT conceded.“I think everybody recognized that,” said center back Mark McKenzie, who took up that central role in the back line without Richards.“Trying to play the intricate pass.

But look, that’s football.These are moments where you’re gunning for them but against strong opponents you can get hurt.

Today we got hurt a couple times.But nonetheless, it’s something to build on.

Showcases the confidence we have to play out the back especially.”Nominally, McKenzie started between Alex Freeman on his right and Tim Ream on his left to make up the back three.In possession, though, Freeman was able to roam up the field or invert, which ...