ไทย
English
中國人
U.S. men's national team defenders Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson faced off on Wednesday night in an intense Carabao Cup encounter played across the pond.
The two Americans are accustomed to sharing the same jersey, combining forces to help the Stars and Stripes secure win after win under Mauricio Pochettino. Richards and Robinson featured in four of the USMNT's five matches at the 2026 World Cup, and both held onto their starting spots in Pochettino's lineup during the recent fall international window.
At the club level, however, they are London adversaries. Richards anchors Crystal Palace's defense, while Robinson patrols Fulham's left side. They usually only square off twice per season in the Premier League, but in 2026–27, their clubs were drawn together in the Carabao Cup fourth round.
When the final whistle blew at Craven Cottage on Wednesday evening, Richards and Palace emerged victorious with a 1–0 scoreline. The result is somewhat misleading, however, given that Fulham largely controlled the match.
Richards Holds Steady As Robinson Falters
Both sides entered Wednesday's contest on fairly equal footing, separated by just a single point in the lower half of the Premier League table. Fulham held the home advantage, while Palace brought the more seasoned roster to the pitch.
The Cottagers dominated the ball and peppered Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson with opportunities, yet could not break through. Richards was the cornerstone of the away side's defensive display, leading all players with 18 defensive contributions, including a remarkable 12 clearances.
Richards also won every ground duel he contested, completed three tackles, and put his body on the line to block a pair of efforts. He also misplaced just a single pass throughout the entire 90 minutes.
Fulham continued to press in search of an equalizer against Eddie Nketiah's opener, but encountered a wall in front of Henderson. The home side finished with 14 shots and an xG of 1.54, yet were kept scoreless thanks to a resolute defensive showing from Richards and his teammates.
Robinson did his best to help his side find the net, but managed only one chance created and a single shot. To make matters worse, Palace's decisive goal came straight down his flank, and he was so poorly positioned on the play that he didn't even appear in frame when Óscar Mingueza delivered a pinpoint cross for Nketiah in the 37th minute.
Robinson and Fulham were ultimately eliminated from the Carabao Cup, ending the club's most realistic shot at silverware this season. Richards and Palace, meanwhile, advanced to the quarterfinal stage and will face Sunderland in the next round.
What's Next for Richards, Robinson?
Both Richards and Robinson return to action on Sunday. Crystal Palace travel to north London to face Tottenham Hotspur, while Fulham host Aston Villa.
The Premier League fixtures carry significant weight for both clubs given their current standings. The Cottagers sit 15th with eight points, while the Eagles are two places below them with seven. Both sides remain uncomfortably close to the relegation zone.
Palace then turn their attention to Europa League action against Hoffenheim on Nov. 5, before welcoming Liverpool three days later. Fulham, without European commitments, have only a clash with Newcastle United on Nov. 7 before the November international break.
Both Richards and Robinson are anticipated to receive call-ups from Pochettino once again, bringing the two Americans back together under the same flag. The defenders will play a vital role in the Stars and Stripes' Concacaf Nations League campaign, which begins against Haiti in the quarterfinals.