Ives Galarcep

The U.S. men’s national team delivered some positive moments in recent friendlies against Senegal and Germany, but also endured some rough ones as well, something they can’t afford when FIFA World Cup play begins. Mauricio Pochettino’s squad suffered two defensive breakdowns which led to a pair of Sadio Mane goals at Bank of America Stadium back on May 31. That was followed up by the Americans conceding a Kai Havertz opening goal less than two minutes into Saturday’s 2-1 loss at Soldier Field.

Chris Richards is trending closer to a U.S. men’s national team return. Richards was a full participant in training on Monday as the USMNT kicked off their FIFA World Cup training camp in Irvine, California. The veteran defender did not feature in either of the USMNT’s friendlies over the past eight days against Senegal and Germany, opening concerns over his availability for the tournament entirely. “Today, [it’s Richards] first time with the team,” U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino told reporters.