When Mauricio Pochettino took over as U.S. men's national team head coach two years ago, he wanted to instill a culture of toughness and togetherness within a program that was coming off embarrassment at the Copa America.
Now in his second World Cup cycle, Pochettino looks to be on his way in accomplishing that.
The USMNT won its second straight match to start the 2030 World Cup cycle, defeating Chile, 4-2, in St. Louis on Tuesday night. But as the match was in the final seconds of stoppage time, teams needed to be separated multiple times after a scuffle broke out when Chile's Leandro Hernández poked at the ball when USMNT goalkeeper Brian Schwake laid on it.
Chris Richards was right at the center of it all — he wanted to send a message.
Things
got heated at the end of USA vs. Chile 🌶️ pic.twitter.com/uvjHTt7TKF
— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 30, 2026
Though Hernández's poke wasn't great sportsmanship, it was somewhat harmless in itself. He didn't kick Schwake. But Richards took exception to the act, and wanted to make a point that this USMNT wouldn't tolerate opponents trying to push them around.
He explained why he escalated the scuffle in the post-match interview.
Chris Richards gives @MelissaMOrtiz insight into the USMNT’s scuffle with Chile 👀 https://t.co/0HX66nEgWV pic.twitter.com/qxP6Fcucci
— TNT Sports U.S. (@TNTSportsUS) September 30, 2026
He said:
"Obviously they’re frustrated. They’re losing the game deservedly. But then they wanna foul our goalie, or kick him when he's on the ground. You’re on our home soil, that’s not gonna fly."
Pochettinotold reporters after the match that he's not a fan of fighting anymore, but he did appreciate how Richards — who scored in the match — stood up for his teammates.
This likely won't be the last of the chippiness in the international break as the USMNT faces rival Mexico on Saturday in Arizona. There won't be anything friendly about that matchup.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Chris Richards explained why he escalated late-match USMNT scuffle with Chile
