USMNT's Chris Richards helps lead Crystal Palace to clean sheet, three points in win over Ipswich

U.S. international Chris Richards helped lead Crystal Palace to an important three points in a 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town in Premier League action on Saturday.

The 24-year-old completed the most passes of the match, connecting on 37, six tackles, and won nine duels in an important defensive performance that led to a clean sheet and a huge win.

The lone goal on the day came off the boot of winger Ismaila Sarr, who chipped Ipswich goalkeeper Alex Palmer from close range after playing a lovely one-two pass with Daichi Kamada on the edge of the box.

Palace move up to 11th in the standings with the win, one point ahead of 12th place Brentford and seven points shy of European soccer next season.

Fellow U.S. international Matt Turner went unused as the backup goalkeeper on the bench.

Since the start of the new year, Palace have lost just two matches and drawn just once across 12 matches in all competitions, recording nine wins during the span. Saturday marked their fourth-straight win.

Palace next return to the pitch after the international break when they take on Fulham in the FA Cup on March 29. Richards, meanwhile, is expected to be a part of the USMNT roster for the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals during the break.