American Duel in the FA Cup

Richards Triumphs as Crystal Palace Outshines Fulham in FA Cup Quarterfinal

In a compelling FA Cup quarterfinal at Craven Cottage, USMNT teammates Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson found themselves on opposite sides as Crystal Palace secured an emphatic 3-0 victory over Fulham to book their place in the semifinals at Wembley Stadium.

The American defenders battled throughout a match in which Eberechi Eze started it with a stunning strike before setting up Ismaila Sarr's header. Eddie Nketiah later sealed the victory with a clinical finish through Bernd Leno's legs.

Richards, who played the full 90 minutes at center back for Palace, was instrumental in the visitors' defensive solidity. The 25-year-old American recorded impressive statistics with nine clearances, six-headed clearances and two interceptions. His commanding aerial presence helped nullify Fulham's attacking threats as Palace secured a clean sheet.

"We really aspire to make history here at Palace," Richards had said before the match, and the defender's performance backed up those ambitions as Palace moved within two games of their first-ever major trophy.

Robinson's afternoon was disappointing despite completing 80% of his passes and winning 67% of his aerial duels. The Fulham left-back, who played 71 minutes, created one chance and had one shot on target but couldn't prevent his side's elimination.

After a cagey opening in which Fulham started brightly, Palace grew into the game. Jefferson Lerma hit the crossbar before Eze's breakthrough. The result continues Palace's remarkable form under Oliver Glasner, with the Eagles heading to Wembley on either April 26 or April 27 for the semifinals.

For Richards, who admitted pre-match that winning the FA Cup "would probably be the biggest thing I've done so far," the dream of lifting the 154-year-old trophy remains alive. At the same time, Robinson and Fulham must refocus on their Premier League European qualification push.