Chris Richards made an appearance on the scoresheet for Crystal Palace in their 3-0 Premier League victory against Burnley this Saturday.
The American, as per usual, was part of the starting XI and played the full match, re-establishing himself as one of the best USMNT players in Europe this season.
Chris Richards first goal for Crystal Palace vs. Burnley
Richards’ first-ever goal for Crystal Palace in the Premier League came in the 68th minute of the match and opened the scoring to what was a heavily disputed match through and through.
The former Bayern Munich man’s ‘debut goal’ came after a slick Jordan Ayew cross into the box, with Richards heading the ball home for the momentary victory.
AMERICAN CHRIS RICHARDS COMES UP BIG FOR CRYSTAL PALACE.
The Alabama native heads home at the back post to give the Eagles a crucial lead! pic.twitter.com/lWaMQW8mY1— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) February 24, 2024
The Alabama native’s goal is the 12th scored by a USMNT player in Europe’s top 5 leagues this season — the most in a single season this century.
Chris Richards is now the @USMNT player to score a goal in the five major European leagues this season, the most in a single season this century! pic.twitter.com/JSeZxyMUf2
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 24, 2024
Historic.
After taking on a sporadic role in the Crystal Palace squad since his transfer to the club from Bayern Munich in 2022, Richards has become one of Palace’s best in-form players following the winter break.
The American has started and played the full 90 minutes in every one of his last 13 Premier League matches — a wonderful feat considering the physical toll of the European season’s jam-packed schedule.
The 23-year-old's $12 million transfer fee is becoming a bargain.
“I've wanted it [my first goal] all year. Of course, you always like to score goals, but I think it was a very crucial goal in a very crucial game, so I'm very happy about it,” said Richards in a post-match interview.
Richards and Crystal Palace will continue their Premier League journey next Saturday when they visit top four contenders Spurs in their effort to rack up points to avoid the relegation zone.
