USMNT center back Chris Richards and his Premier League club Crystal Palace are off to a strong start to this season, adding to last week’s Community Shield triumph with a 0-0 draw at Chelsea on Sunday.

Richards was named Player of the Match in the draw, nothing new for one of the Eagles’ stars during last season’s drive to the FA Cup.

The 25-year-old is set for a heavy workload this season as Palace compete in the Conference League and may still have to bed in a new back if Marc Guehi skips town before the end of the transfer window.

RECAP, HIGHLIGHTS — Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace

But Richards says manager Oliver Glasner has imparted grit and focus into this side, and it’s paying dividens around Selhurst Park.

“We try to block out the outside noise and put in good performan

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