FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. — The inaugural U.S. training camp of a new World Cup cycle feels much like the first day of school. Players are getting acquainted, shy newcomers are introducing themselves to the seasoned stars they admire, and coaches are establishing guidelines and outlining objectives.
As the journey toward the 2030 World Cup begins, both younger and more experienced players are developing connections.
Chris Richards, a 26-year-old from Alabama who played a vital role in the summer’s defensive efforts, and Zavier Gozo, a 19-year-old winger from Utah experiencing his first U.S. camp, have already established a rapport.
Last month, Gozo’s impressive Major League Soccer season with Real Salt Lake boosted his profile, and he joined Richards at Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
On Thursday, just two days ahead of the U.S. facing Peru in Orlando during the first of four friendlies in eleven days, the two sat together in a conference room at the national training center, responding to media queries. Their appearance together was strategically chosen due to their Crystal Palace connection.
“He’s doing great,” Richards said with his usual cheerful demeanor as Gozo smiled next to him. “It’s been amazing to have him at Palace. My favorite moments there were when I had another American teammate, [goalkeeper] Matty Turner. Having Zavier around is just a lot of fun. It’s nice to share experiences with a fellow countryman, and succeeding at the club level benefits the national team too.”
Gozo has recently moved just across the street from Richards in Greater London, an area favored by many players.
“My daughter [Luna] really adores him,” Richards shared. “It’s been a joy.”
Chris Richards, 26, and Zavier Gozo, 19, sat for questions together Thursday at the national training center outside Atlanta. They’re Crystal Palace teammates and, in London, neighbors.
(Photo by Steven Goff/Yahoo Sports)
Gozo has essentially gained a big brother in Richards, a sociable figure in his fifth season at Palace and a crucial component of the U.S. defense over the last few years.
“This is all new to me,” Gozo shared, who had never previously lived outside Utah. “Living in a major city like London, especially in a different country, is a big adjustment. But having guys like Chris to guide me and make me feel comfortable is like having a mini-family just across the street.”
Gozo made his Premier League debut on August 22, entering the game in the 68th minute during a 4-1 loss to Manchester City. Just ten days later, he played 17 minutes in a 3-0 League Cup victory over Middlesbrough, which has four American players, including midfielder Sebastian Berhalter. He did not make the matchday squad for the 0-0 draw against Leeds last weekend.
His impressive performances in MLS last spring, with six goals and five assists in just 16 matches, drew the attention of Mauricio Pochettino. While he had risen through international youth ranks, he lacked the senior experience required for World Cup competition.
Joining Crystal Palace accelerated his progress, and this ongoing training camp offered an optimal platform for Pochettino to invite a dozen newcomers, including 13 players who have yet to represent the senior national team.
Following the match against Peru, the U.S. will face Chile in St. Louis on Tuesday, archrival Mexico on October 3 in Phoenix, and Canada on October 6 in St. Paul.
Gozo is a natural forward who may be used by Pochettino as a wing back, providing support to World Cup veterans Sergiño Dest and Antonee Robinson. Wingers Mathis Albert, 17, and Cole Campbell, 20, are also attending their first camp.
Like many newcomers, Gozo is also competing for a spot on the 2028 Olympic team, which is limited to players aged 23 and under, with the possibility of including three overage players. Olympic coach Steve Cherundolo is collaborating with Pochettino’s staff during this camp.
Engaging with players he has long admired, Gozo described his experience this week as “somewhat surreal. I want to earn my place on the national team and compete for a spot here. I’m trying to absorb everything but also be competitive.”
Transitioning from youth squads to the senior team, Gozo recognized both the physical and mental resilience of the experienced players.
He expressed his desire to “mature in my game, learn from all the players around me, and adopt the best traits from each of them to enhance my performance.”
The U.S. presence at Crystal Palace has begun garnering more American fans, often previously swayed to support other London clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur.
Richards noted, “I’ve seen more Americans at games over the years, with messages on social media saying, ‘You’ve made my partner and me Crystal Palace fans.’ It’s exciting to witness the respect and recognition we Americans have gained in the Premier League over recent years.”
Despite not having a senior national team background, Gozo was relatively unknown in the Premier League. However, his impressive MLS performances caught the attention of international clubs, leading to Crystal Palace reportedly acquiring him for $15 million from Real Salt Lake.
“Getting over there quickly was crucial for me, even if I wasn’t starting right away,” he said. “I know it’s unrealistic to expect immediate success after moving from MLS to the Premier League. My focus is on development and being in a high-level environment, going from being one of the stars in MLS to potentially being at the bottom of the pecking order here.”
With several newcomers in the U.S. camp, the veterans are guiding a fun initiation process that includes group singing.
Gozo’s song choice? “Let Me Love You” by Mario.
“There are definitely some talented singers among us,” Richards remarked. “Zavier surprised us all with his performance last night—he did really well.”
Now, the U.S. hopes to see Gozo impress on the pitch as well.
USMNT camp notes
The U.S. Soccer Federation is finalizing plans for a week-long winter camp, primarily consisting of MLS players, which will end with a friendly match on December 13. The opponent and venue will be revealed next month.
Because this camp does not fall within an official FIFA window, players from active leagues, including those in the MLS conference finals, will not be available.
In November, the full squad will participate in two-leg CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals, with the opponent determined in this international window. The home leg on November 17 will take place in Cincinnati.
Carolina Reyna, sister of two-time World Cup midfielder Gio Reyna, has been selected for the U.S. Under-17 World Cup team competing in Morocco this fall. This marks the first instance of U.S. siblings competing at separate U-17 World Cups, following in the footsteps of their father, Claudio, who played in both youth and senior World Cups.
Fan Take: This news highlights the development of young talent like Zavier Gozo, who represents the rising potential within U.S. soccer. As this new cycle builds toward the 2030 World Cup, a strong foundation of young players could transform the national team’s performance on the global stage.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
