Crystal Palace placed one foot into the UEFA Conference League Final on Thursday night.
Chris Richards and the Eagles earned a 3-1 first leg semifinal win over Shakhtar Donetsk in Poland. Richards started and played 90 minutes in defense, continuing a productive campaign with the South London club.
Ismaila Sarr opened the scoring in the first minute for Oliver Glasner’s squad, giving the visitors an early advantage.
Oleg Ocheretko equalized for Shahktar Donetsk early in the second half but Crystal Palace would regain its lead before the hour mark through Daichi Kamada’s go-ahead goal. Jorgen Strand Larsen added an insurance goal for the Eagles, giving them a two-goal aggregate cushion.
Richards won five duels, made two blocks, two interceptions, and two clearances, delivering a solid shift from his centerback position.
Crystal Palace will next travel to AFC Bournemouth on Sunday in Premier League play before hosting Shakhtar Donetsk in the second leg on May 7.
Here is a closer look at this week’s Americans Abroad:
Europe
UEFA Champions League
Johnny Cardoso started and played 88 minutes in Atletico Madrid’s 1-1 first leg draw with Arsenal on Wednesday.
UEFA Conference League
Chris Richards started and played 90 minutes in Crystal Palace’s 3-1 first leg win over Shakhtar Donetsk on Thursday. Match will be played in Poland.
England
WSL
Emily Fox started and played 54 minutes in Arsenal’s 7-0 win over Leicester City on Wednesday.
France
Premiere Ligue
Lindsey Heaps, Korbin Shrader, Lily Yohannes did not dress in Lyon’s 1-1 draw with Nantes on Wednesday.
Portugal
Liga Portugal
Jordan Pefok did not dress in Tondela’s 2-0 loss to Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday.