The United States Men’s National Soccer Team has named a new captain for their match this week — and he just so happens to be from the Yellowhammer State
Chris Richards, a Hoover native, captained the team in its 1-1 draw Tuesday with New Zealand. According to USMNT’s social media, Richards was the team’s first captain from the state of Alabama:
The first man from the State of Alabama to captain the #USMNT ©️🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/fJvxJvd7oB
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) September 10, 2024
From his U5 to his U14 days, Richards played with Hoover Soccer Club and won two Alabama state championships before moving on to Texas and FC Dallas.
Richards plays center back and is described as an “imposing presence on the back line.” The 24-year-old has made 20 appearances for the USMNT.
In Europe, Richards plays for Crystal Palace in England’s Premier League.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.
