Pepi On Fire

Striker stays hot with stoppage-time winner in the Champions League

In a night of pure footballing drama, Ricardo Pepi produced the crucial stoppage-time winner that completed a miraculous 3-2 comeback victory against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.

Trailing 2-0 deep into the second half after first-half goals from Danylo Sikan and Oleksandr Zubkov, PSV seemed destined for defeat. The turning point came with Shakhtar's Pedrinho receiving a red card in the 69th minute, giving PSV a numerical advantage that they would ultimately capitalize on.

Teammate Malik Tillman sparked the comeback with two quick goals - a deflected free-kick in the 87th minute and a spectacular top-corner strike in the 90th minute. Then, five minutes into injury time, Pepi delivered the knockout blow, finding himself unmarked at the back post and coolly slotting home the winner.

"I think definitely this one. To be honest, it is up there for sure,” Pepi said after being asked if it was the most important goal of his career. “I had a similar goal last year in the Champions League — a very important goal, but I think this one was important. We needed the three points and now we get put in a good spot to eventually make it to the next round.” PSV.nl

With this win, PSV moves up to 18th in the Champions League group stage, keeping their hopes of progression alive. In the Eredivisie, they continue to dominate, sitting five points clear at the top of the table with 36 points from 13 games.

"It was crazy, to be honest, but I feel like we have something special in our group," Pepi explained. "We don't stop until the final whistle blows. I think that is something very special that we have worked on and at the end of the day, the result went our way and it was something very special tonight." PSV.nl

Tillman echoed Pepi's excitement, describing the moment as "crazy" and saying, "Incredible comeback. I honestly don’t know what to say, it’s an amazing comeback. After the second goal, I think everyone went crazy, so that pushed us as well. Thanks to the fans and the defense as well." PSV.nl

The victory is particularly significant for Pepi, who joined PSV last summer for €11 million after a successful loan at Groningen. He has already made a significant impact, scoring 10 goals in all competitions, including nine in the Eredivisie - a joint league-leading tally.

"Emotions are all over the place," Pepi said. "I was very happy. It was a crazy game, a lot of emotions going through the game being down 2-0 and eventually coming back and winning 3-2. It doesn't feel real. At the end of the day, I'm just very happy to help the team." PSV.nl

Tillman’s Historic Brace

Midfielder put in another stunning Champions League performance

Malik Tillman etched his name in Champions League history with a stunning performance for PSV that will be remembered for years to come. In a breathtaking match against Shakhtar Donetsk, the 22-year-old American became the first USMNT player to score a brace in the prestigious competition. With PSV trailing by two goals and the match seemingly lost, Tillman produced a remarkable turnaround that left fans and commentators in awe.

The game appeared bleak for PSV when Shakhtar took a commanding 2-0 lead by the 37th minute. However, everything changed when the Ukrainian side was reduced to ten men after a red card in the 69th minute. Tillman seized the moment with extraordinary skill, first sneaking a free kick past goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk in the 87th minute. The free kick, taken near the right corner, caught the goalkeeper by surprise.

Just three minutes later, the American unleashed an outrageous long-range shot that rocketed into the top corner, leveling the match and igniting the Philips Stadion.

Tillman's performance was complemented by his teammate Ricardo Pepi, who scored the winning goal in the 95th minute. Together, they made history as the first USMNT teammates to score in the same Champions League match, showcasing the rising talent of American players in Europe’s top competition.

Bigger Role for Reyna?

Poised for Opportunity Against Bayern Munich

After months of injury struggles, Gio Reyna is finally making his way back to full fitness and could play a pivotal role in Borussia Dortmund's upcoming clash against Bayern Munich.

The 22-year-old American attacking midfielder has endured a challenging few seasons, with recurring injuries constantly interrupting his development. His latest setback came in September when a groin injury during international duty sidelined him for two months.

Reyna has recently begun his comeback, making promising appearances in Dortmund's last two matches. He came off the bench for 12 minutes in the 4-0 win against Freiburg and followed that with a 28-minute cameo in the midweek Champions League victory against Dinamo Zagreb.

Head coach Nuri Sahin has been particularly supportive of Reyna's return, offering encouraging words after the Freiburg match. "We're happy that they're back, that we can bring them on, that they're in training," Sahin said. "Gio trained brilliantly this week. It's important to get training minutes and, if possible, to get as many minutes as possible into the legs." OneFootball

The timing of Reyna's return could not be more crucial with Dortmund preparing to host Bayern Munich in the highly anticipated Der Klassiker. Borussia Dortmund enters the clash with a perfect home record this season, riding the momentum of two consecutive victories while Bayern Munich arrives in formidable form, having won their last seven matches without conceding a single goal. The defensive struggles that plagued them earlier in the season seem resolved, while their attack looks lethal. Harry Kane, who previously scored a hat-trick at the Westfalenstadion, remains a constant threat.

McKennie Likely Out

Juventus Midfielder Sidelined Ahead of Lecce

Juventus is grappling with mounting injury challenges as they prepare for their upcoming Serie A match against Lecce, with American midfielder Weston McKennie likely to be absent from the squad. The 26-year-old USMNT star has been sidelined due to muscle fatigue, casting uncertainty over his availability.

McKennie has been a consistent performer for the Bianconeri this season. However, the player’s muscle issue has complicated Juventus's already strained squad depth. 

The team traveled to their recent Champions League match against Aston Villa with only 17 players available, highlighting the growing injury concerns. McKennie also missed out on his first return to England since his loan move to Leeds in the Spring of 2023.

The midfielder's absence was first noted when he stopped training two days before the Villa match, unable to participate fully due to muscle fatigue. Currently, his participation in the Lecce game remains doubtful, with the final decision pending on his condition during the upcoming training sessions. It was reported Friday he had personalized training.

Juventus's injury woes extend beyond McKennie. The club is also managing injuries to key players like Douglas Luiz and Arkadiusz Milik, creating additional challenges for head coach Thiago Motta. The coach has acknowledged the complex nature of these injuries, suggesting that the demanding schedule might be taking its toll on the players.

While top scorer Dusan Vlahovic is expected to be fit for the Lecce match, McKennie's potential absence represents a significant blow to Juventus's midfield lineup.

As the Serie A match approaches, keep an eye on McKennie's recovery and if he can overcome his muscle fatigue in time to support his team at the Via del Mare stadium.

Scally Available

Fullback cleared after being subbed early last weekend

Borussia Mönchengladbach right-back Joe Scally will be available for Saturday's critical Bundesliga match against Freiburg, allaying fears about his fitness after being substituted early in the team's previous match due to a head injury.

The 21-year-old American defender was forced off in the 20th minute of Gladbach's last game against St. Pauli, raising concerns about a potential concussion after a clash of heads with Philipp Treu in the second minute. However, the club's official channels confirmed on Wednesday that Scally had returned to training "without any problems," clearing him for selection.

The match represents a significant opportunity for Gladbach, who currently sit sixth in the Bundesliga standings, level on points with Freiburg but ahead on goal difference. Die Fohlen enter the weekend buoyed by a five-game unbeaten streak.

Freiburg, positioned seventh, have experienced a recent dip in form, failing to win their last four Bundesliga matches. Their most recent outing—a 4-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund—will have only increased their desperation to return to winning ways.

Gladbach will be without key midfielders Florian Neuhaus, Luca Netz, and Grant-Leon Ranos, making Scally's availability particularly crucial for the team's defensive lineup.

Pepi Hat Trick

Pepi is now tied in the Eredivisie Golden Boot Race 

U.S. striker Ricardo Pepi continued his remarkable scoring run with a hat trick, powering PSV Eindhoven to a 5-0 rout of FC Groningen in the Dutch Eredivisie on Saturday.

Starting in place of regular striker Luuk de Jong, Pepi netted three times against his former loan club to move joint-top of the Eredivisie scoring charts with nine goals, level with FC Twente's Sem Steijn. The 21-year-old American has achieved this tally in just 12 appearances, only four of them starts.

Pepi's first goal came in the 37th minute after Olivier Boscagli had given PSV the lead. The former FC Dallas forward showcased his individual brilliance, sprinting in from the right touchline and driving into the penalty area before cleverly chipping over the Groningen goalkeeper.

After Guus Til made it 3-0, Pepi struck twice more. His second goal in the 64th minute demonstrated his growing confidence as he beat a defender before finding the bottom corner. The American completed his hat trick in the 78th minute with a clinical header from 6 yards out.

The performance extends Pepi's impressive scoring streak to four consecutive games, including two goals for the U.S. national team in their recent Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal victory over Jamaica.

Pepi has now been involved in multiple goals in four straight starts and his scoring rate continues a trend from last season, when he netted seven goals in just 459 Eredivisie minutes. The victory strengthens PSV's position atop the Eredivisie standings, where they lead second-placed Utrecht by eight points, having played two more games.

Juve-Milan is a Goalless Draw

The Serie A showdown at the San Siro didn’t live up to the hype as AC Milan and Juventus fought to a 0-0 draw on Saturday. Weston McKennie played an unusual forward role for Juventus, joining Teun Koopmeiners in attack due to Dusan Vlahovic's absence. Timothy Weah's late introduction failed to spark the match.

Christian Pulisic was rested after picking up a knock over the international break and came off the bench with 20 minutes to go. Yunus Musah played 84 minutes, again out on the right flank.

The game produced minimal scoring chances as Juventus maintained their unbeaten Serie A status but remained sixth in the standings, three points behind Inter Milan. AC Milan sits seventh.

Scally Injured?

Fullback subbed early with a possible head injury

Joe Scally’s centennial Bundesliga appearance was cut short when he was subbed off in the 21st minute of Borussia Mönchengladbach’s 2-0 win over St Pauli on Sunday.

At 21 years, 329 days, Scally became at  the fourth youngest M'gladbach player to reach the 100-game mark in the Bundesliga, behind Marc-André ter Stegen, Lothar Matthäus and Berti Vogts.

In the second minute, Scally was involved in a clash of heads with Philipp Treu and carried on for about 20 minutes before being subbed off for Stevie Lainer.

At the moment of publish, no new news has come about the injury, so his current status for Gladbach’s match against SC Freiburg next Saturday is unknown.

Paredes has Foot Surgery; Out Rest of 2024

Wolfsburg winger Kevin Paredes will miss the remainder of 2024 after undergoing foot surgery, effectively ending his season debut hopes for this year. The 21-year-old former DC United homegrown player, who made 29 appearances last season, announced the setback on social media. "I will be sidelined for a bit longer this season," Paredes said on Instagram. The injury comes after a promising 2023 that included strong performances for Wolfsburg and the U.S. Olympic team.

Fun Matchup in Italy

Four Americans headline Juventus vs AC Milan

American stars Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie and Tim Weah are set to headline a blockbuster Serie A showdown Saturday at San Siro, continuing the momentum from the USMNT's recent CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal triumph.

The match pits AC Milan against Juventus in a critical league encounter, with both teams desperate to climb the Serie A standings. Juventus sit sixth in the table, but only two points of the leaders Napoli. Milan are seventh and six points behind their opponents.

Christian Pulisic enters the match in impressive form, ranking among Serie A's top home performers. He's scored 10 goals and provided five assists in home games since last season, placing him in elite company alongside Paulo Dybala and Ademola Lookman.

At Juventus, Tim Weah has emerged as a clinical finisher. Among players attempting at least five shots in Europe's top five leagues, Weah boasts the highest scoring percentage at 57%, already setting a personal record for goals in a single season across Serie A and Ligue 1.

Weston McKennie, with 10 career Serie A goals to his name, provides midfield dynamism for Juventus. His box-to-box energy could be crucial in disrupting Milan's attacking rhythm. Yunus Musah continues to establish himself at Milan, bringing pace and positioning off the bench to Paulo Fonseca's system.

The match takes on additional significance given both teams' current positions. Juventus sits sixth, while Milan is seventh – a rare occurrence of both giants outside the top five. Their recent international break performances with the USMNT – defeating Jamaica 5-2 on aggregate – suggest the Americans are entering the match in strong form. Juventus arrives unbeaten in league play under new manager Thiago Motta, while Milan struggles with consistency under Paulo Fonseca. Statistically, the matchup favors Juventus historically. The club has won five consecutive Serie A matches against Milan after international breaks and leads the all-time head-to-head series 68-53.

Key injury concerns might impact the Americans' involvement. Juventus will be without several players, potentially creating opportunities for McKennie and Weah. Rumor has it Weah may start at the striker position. Milan appears relatively healthy, positioning Pulisic for another starting role.

Kickoff is set for 18:00 CET at the iconic San Siro, promising a thrilling encounter between two of Italian football's most storied clubs – with American talent potentially determining the outcome.

Reyna Returns to Training

Midfielder could see first minutes since September 

U.S. soccer star Gio Reyna has returned to Borussia Dortmund training after a lengthy layoff with a groin strain, potentially positioning himself to rejoin the squad Saturday against Freiburg in the Bundesliga.

The 21-year-old attacker has been sidelined since late September and experienced a setback in October that extended his absence. Reyna has only played nine minutes in the league this season, coming off the bench in a 2-0 Dortmund win over Frankfurt.

His return comes at a critical time for Dortmund, currently in seventh. Coach Nuri Sahin could benefit from Reyna's comeback as the team has matches against Freiburg, Dinamo Zagreb in Champions League, and Bayern Munich in the next week.

Pepi Expected to Start

PSV does not want to sell the striker, despite the interest

U.S. Men's National Team striker Ricardo Pepi is set to lead PSV Eindhoven's attack on Saturday, stepping in for the injured Luuk de Jong in a crucial Eredivisie match.

Manager Peter Bosz confirmed Pepi's start during a recent press conference, highlighting the 21-year-old American's development since joining the club. "He has developed very well since his arrival at PSV," Bosz said. "We have two excellent strikers, and they are two different types. Luuk is better at heading, and Ricardo is very strong in depth." PSV.nl

Pepi's emergence comes amid growing transfer speculation. Multiple Premier League clubs have reportedly expressed interest in the young forward, with potential bids of around €15 million being anticipated in the January transfer window.

Despite the external interest, PSV remains resolute in retaining Pepi. The Dutch champions have made it clear they have no intention of selling, even if a substantial offer of €30 million arrives. Pepi has impressed in recent months, scoring six goals in his last nine games for club and country.

The situation has created an interesting dynamic with De Jong, PSV's long-time captain. Local media suggests De Jong finds it challenging to cede playing time, though he has been professionally accepting of the coaching staff's decisions.

Pepi's recent international performances have further bolstered his standing. He scored during both of the USMNT's CONCACAF Nations League victories over Jamaica, demonstrating his continued development and goal-scoring prowess.

The upcoming match represents a significant opportunity for Pepi to showcase his abilities in De Jong's absence. With multiple Premier League clubs monitoring his progress, a strong performance could further increase his transfer valuation.

Bosz praised the returning internationals, noting, "The guys who have played internationals have come back well, fit. There have been no injuries. Ricardo and Ismael still scored, others just played well." PSV.nl

While transfer rumors continue to swirl – including reported interest from Borussia Dortmund – PSV remains committed to Pepi's long-term development within their system. Saturday's match provides Pepi another chance to prove why the club values him so highly and why other clubs have expressed interest.

Zendejas Key in Victory

USMNT international Alejandro Zendejas played a pivotal role in Club America's dramatic playoff victory over Tijuana Xolos on Thursday, contributing significantly despite not scoring in the match.

Zendejas, who had just returned from the international break, delivered a crucial assist in stoppage time, providing a perfect cross that set up Cristian Borja's equalizing goal. He also appeared to score what seemed like a match-winning goal, though it was ultimately disallowed due to a handball. During the intense penalty shootout,  Zendejas missed his attempt, which initially gave Tijuana hope. However, Club America ultimately prevailed 3-2, securing the seventh seed in the Liga MX playoffs.

The match at Estadio Caliente was a back-and-forth affair, with Zendejas playing a key role in America's late-game offensive push. His cross to Borja in the dying moments of regulation demonstrated his offensive capabilities and vision on the field.

Club America will advance to the quarterfinals, with Zendejas looking to build momentum in the postseason tournament.

LDLT Close to Return

Midfielder just missed the squad this weekend

American midfielder Luca de la Torre is nearing a return to Celta Vigo's squad, though he remains just short of playing in Saturday's match against Barcelona.

After two months sidelined with a right ankle injury, de la Torre has been participating fully in training, signaling his imminent comeback. However, his future at Celta remains uncertain, with the 26-year-old midfielder seemingly on the periphery of coach Claudio Giráldez's plans.

Currently the only Celta player without a single minute of official play this season, de la Torre faces a critical career crossroads. San Diego FC has emerged as a compelling alternative, offering the California native a chance to play in his hometown during the MLS franchise's inaugural season.

The potential move presents a major dilemma for de la Torre, who has spent most of his career pursuing a European football dream. Since leaving for Fulham's academy in 2013, he has built a career focused on competing in European leagues.

San Diego FC's ambitious project, which includes high-profile signings like Hirving Lozano, provides an attractive option. The club aims to become the "Real Madrid of MLS" and views de la Torre as a potential cornerstone of their first campaign.

With his contract at Celta running until 2026, a transfer seems increasingly likely. Celta is eager to streamline its roster, and de la Torre's limited involvement suggests he may be expendable. The upcoming transfer window will be crucial. While San Diego offers hometown appeal and guaranteed playing time, de la Torre must weigh this against his long-standing European aspirations and national team prospects ahead of the next major international tournament.

Luna in the Dark

MLS Young Player of the Year Diego Luna remains in international soccer limbo, with neither the U.S. Men's National Team nor Mexico showing interest in calling him up to their senior squads.

The 21-year-old Real Salt Lake playmaker has been left in the dark since his senior national team debut in January. He was also controversially omitted from the U.S. Olympic roster last summer.

Luna, eligible for both the U.S. and Mexico through his heritage, has maintained a patient approach to his international aspirations. 

"I am just continuing to work and waiting for my chance to get that call-up, and like I have been saying, to prove myself in those opportunities that I get," Luna said. "I have not had any conversations or phone calls with any of the U.S. staff." CBS Sports

USMNT Starts 2025 Against Venezuela

January camp will take place in Fort Lauderdale

The U.S. men's national soccer team will kick off its 2025 schedule against Venezuela on Jan. 18 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The match begins at 3 p.m. EST.

Since the friendly falls outside a FIFA international window, it offers an opportunity for emerging MLS players to compete ahead of the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup and 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

"We are looking forward to getting to know many of the MLS players and see the potential talent we have here in the United States," U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino said. US Soccer

Venezuela enters the match following strong performances in 2024, reaching the Copa America quarterfinals and drawing against both Argentina and Brazil in World Cup qualifying matches.

The U.S. leads the all-time series 3-1-2, though Venezuela won the most recent meeting 3-0 in 2019. The U.S. remains undefeated in Fort Lauderdale with a 4-0-1 record.

MATCHDAY VLOG #33

A crazy match saw the #USMNT advance to the Nations League Finals.

Christian Pulisic, Ricardo Pepi and Timothy Weah all scored, plus an own goal, in Poch’s first competitive home match. I was there and it was entertaining.

November 18, 2024: USA 4-2 Jamaica [HT 3-0]

St. Louis, MO, CITYPARK (21,080)

Concacaf Nations League Quarterfinals, Leg 2

Scorers: Christian Pulisic (Weston McKennie) 13′, (Weston McKennie) 33′; Ricardo Pepi (Antonee Robinson) 42′; Tim Weah (Yunus Musah) 56′ — Demarai Gray (Isaac Hayden) 53′, 68′

USA: 1-Matt Turner; 22-Joe Scally, 4-Mark McKenzie, 13-Tim Ream (c), 5-Antonee Robinson; 8-Weston McKennie (14-Gianluca Busio, 69′), 18-Tanner Tessmann; 6-Yunus Musah (7-Alex Zendejas, 88′), 10-Christian Pulisic (11-Brenden Aaronson, 69′), 21-Tim Weah (19-Cade Cowell, 74′); 9-Ricardo Pepi (20-Brandon Vazquez, 77′)

Subs not used: 15-Diego Kochen, 16-Patrick Schulte, 23-Zack Steffen, 2-Auston Trusty, 3-Chris Richards, 12-Miles Robinson, 17-Malik Tillman

Head coach: Mauricio Pochettino

JAM: 1-Andre Blake (c); 4-Amari’I Bell, 6-Di’Shon Bernard, 7-Leon Bailey (21-Romario Williams, 73′), 10-Demarai Gray, 11-Shamar Nicholson (20-Renaldo Cephas, 60′), 12-Tayvon Gray (22-Greg Leigh, 60′), 14-Isaac Hayden, 15-Joel Latibeaudiere, 17-Damion Lowe (16-Karoy Anderson, 73′), 18-Tyreek Magee (5-Richard King, 46′)

Subs not used: 13-Shaquan Davis, 23-Jahmali Waite, 2-Dexter Lembikisa, 3-Khori Bennett, 8-Kasey Palmer, 9-Ravel Morrison

Head coach: Steve McClaren

Referee: Mario Escobar (GUA)

Cards: None

Lineup from the Society for American Soccer History

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'Meet Me in Saint Louis'

National Team returns to America’s first soccer capital

St. Louis has a rich soccer legacy, dating back to the late 19th century. The passion for the sport has made the city a fertile ground for developing American soccer talent and a desirable location for hosting the U.S. Men’s National Team. It will be the 13th time the men’s side has played at the Gateway to the West.

The foundation of St. Louis’s soccer culture was laid in the early 20th century with the formation of the St. Louis Soccer League (SLSL). The SLSL, founded in 1907, was the only fully professional soccer league in the United States at that time. The league’s success helped elevate the level of play in the city and produced players who would go on to represent the United States on the international stage.

St. Louis’s impact on the USMNT was profoundly evident during the 1950 FIFA World Cup. The U.S. team, which pulled off one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history by defeating England 1-0, featured five players from St. Louis. Many of these players came from the city’s historically Italian neighborhood, “The Hill”.

St. Louis’s soccer legacy extends beyond producing players; the city has also hosted significant USMNT matches. St. Louis’s first official U.S. match was in 1957 at the Public School Grounds — a 3-2 defeat to Canada.

In 1984 and 1985, Busch Memorial Stadium was the site of two USMNT matches, starting with a 4-0 victory over Netherlands Antilles, which then setup a CONCACAF Championship match between the USMNT and Trinidad and Tobago, with the U.S. emerging victorious 2-1.

Fenton Soccer Park played host to three matches during 1990 World Cup Qualifying, including the 1-0 over Costa Rica with Tab Ramos netting the winner.

More recently, the USMNT kicked off their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with a resounding 6-1 win against St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the new Busch Stadium in 2015. The match drew a crowd of 43,433, highlighting the city’s support for the national team.

The arrival of St. Louis City SC in Major League Soccer in 2023 marked another milestone in the city’s soccer history. The team's home stadium, now Energizer Park (formerly CITYPARK), hosted its first men's international matches during the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup, where the U.S. beat Saint Kitts and Nevis 6-0. Most recently, Tim Weah, Ricardo Pepi and Christian Pulisic scored in a 3-0 win over Uzbekistan in St. Louis on Sep 9, 2023.

Weah Set to Return for Second Leg

Winger ready to come back after serving two-match suspension

United States winger Tim Weah is set to make his return to the national team Monday as it faces Jamaica in the second leg of the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals. The U.S. holds a 1-0 aggregate lead, and Weah will be available for his first minutes since receiving a costly red card against Panama in the Copa América.

The ejection, which saw the U.S. reduced to 10 men in an eventual 2-1 loss to Panama, contributed to the team's early tournament exit, which led to a management change. Weah has been candid about the impact of that moment.

"It was hard," Weah said Sunday. "It played a pretty negative role in how the rest of the tournament went and obviously no player wants that to happen... So I mean it was a moment and I think I've kind of accepted it and matured in a way that it just never happened again and we just have to move on." ESPN

New U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino has expressed confidence in the young winger, who has been in impressive form for Juventus with four goals in eight Serie A appearances this season.

"He's a very good player, very aggressive with the ball, fast, good legs," Pochettino said. "He's young, but it's normal. He can make a mistake. We need to help him, for him to evolve and to learn. But I think he's a very clever player. Always smiling. He brought very good energy to the group." Fox Sports

Pepi Scores, Rumors Start

The striker continues to turn heads as Liverpool
among others are monitoring his development

Ricardo Pepi continues to boost his profile both internationally and in Europe, scoring the decisive goal in the United States' 1-0 victory over Jamaica on Thursday.

"We were here to fight. We knew it was going to be difficult," Pepi said after the match. "At the end of the day we got the result and now it's time to go and take care of it at home." The Inquirer

The 21-year-old striker's goal, his 12th in 32 international appearances, came from a Christian Pulisic setup. Pepi timed his run perfectly to get behind Jamaica's defense, and despite a slight mishit, his shot found the net off the far post.

The goal marked another milestone in Pepi's rising career, making him just the fourth American to score 12 international goals before age 22, joining elite company with Landon Donovan, Jozy Altidore and Pulisic.

At the club level, Pepi has become an important figure at PSV Eindhoven, where he has already netted six goals this season, halfway to his personal best in the Eredivisie. While primarily serving as a backup to veteran Luuk de Jong, Pepi's performances have caught the attention of several European clubs. According to recent reports, Liverpool, Atletico Madrid, Ajax, Bayern Munich, and Borussia Dortmund are monitoring the American striker. While PSV values Pepi at around €25 million and sees him as a long-term investment, they might consider offers if the price is right.

With the 2026 World Cup just 18 months away, Pepi has established himself as a key figure in Pochettino's U.S. squad but hopes to be the starter moving forward.

"I'm at a point in my career right now where I'm ready,” Pepi said. “I'm ready to either start, to get more playing time. I feel like I've been showing that." Yahoo

Injury Update

Cardoso is out, but Aaronson returns as National Team is stretched thin

The United States men's national team will be without midfielders Johnny Cardoso and Aidan Morris for Monday's CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal second leg against Jamaica in St. Louis.

Cardoso, who has made 18 appearances for the national team, was forced off in the 21st minute of Thursday's 1-0 first-leg victory with a left hamstring strain. The Real Betis midfielder returned to Spain for rehabilitation. Morris, who has established himself at English Championship side Middlesbrough this season, is sidelined with a knee sprain.

However, the U.S. received positive news as Brenden Aaronson has recovered from illness and returned to training. The Leeds United midfielder, who has recorded four goals and one assist in Championship play this season, should be available for selection.

No replacements will be added to the 23-player roster as the U.S. looks to protect its one-goal aggregate lead and advance to a fourth consecutive Nations League semifinal.

Another Day at "The Office"

After a chaotic first 15 minutes, the USMNT

settled in and held on in first-leg victory

The U.S. Men's National Team took a big step toward qualifying for two important competitions next year with a 1-0 win over Jamaica in the opening leg of their Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal series on Thursday in Kingston.

Striker Ricardo Pepi scored the game's lone goal in the 5th minute, finishing off a well-worked move involving Christian Pulisic and Johnny Cardoso. Goalkeeper Matt Turner also came up big for the Americans, saving a 14th-minute penalty kick to preserve the lead.

The win gives the USMNT a narrow 1-0 aggregate advantage heading into the second leg, which will be played on Nov. 18 in St. Louis. The winner of the two-game series will qualify for both the 2025 Concacaf Nations League Finals and next summer's Concacaf Gold Cup.

In his third game in charge, new USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino named a starting lineup featuring the same back four as his first USMNT match, with Joe Scally, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson in front of Turner. Midfielders Weston McKennie and Yunus Musah also returned to the XI.

Jamaica quickly made their intentions known, pressing the Americans aggressively and trying to take advantage of the uneven playing surface at the National Stadium. But the U.S. found a swift response, with Pulisic setting up Pepi's opener in the opening five minutes. Pulisic, playing in a more free role, turned in the central space and found Pepi streaking in toward the goal.

The visitors nearly doubled their lead a couple of minutes later through chances from Robinson and Pulisic, but then, Jamaica were awarded a penalty when Turner fouled Shamar Nicholson. However, the goalkeeper atoned for his mistake, diving to his right to parry Demarai Gray's spot kick.

The second half saw the USMNT control possession more comfortably, though Jamaica did threaten late on. Substitute Brandon Vazquez nearly scored an insurance goal for the Americans, but his shot was blocked.

It became increasingly heated, with seven yellow cards shown in the second half, including a second caution for Jamaica's Mason Holgate which reduced them to 10 men. The U.S. saw out the victory, earning their fourth all-time win on Jamaican soil.

Next up for the USMNT is the decisive second leg on Nov. 18 in St. Louis, where a spot in the Concacaf Nations League semifinals and Gold Cup will be on the line.

Pochettino Post Match Quotes

USMNT Manager Mauricio Pochettino praised his team's performance in a challenging 1-0 victory against Jamaica, acknowledging the need for improvement. He emphasized the importance of learning from tough matches and preparing for the next leg in St. Louis, while recognizing Jamaica's quality as a team.

Question: “You came in an arena packed with a lot of eager and excited Jamaica fans. How will you manage to silence the noise and stick to the objectives and get a crucial goal and a win heading into the second?"

Pochettino's Answer: "I think the first step is done. I want to congratulate my players because in a difficult situation, they competed really well. We competed really well, and I am so pleased. Of course, we need to improve in all areas; that is logical because it's only one month that we are working, and it is only our second camp. But I think to come here and face and play against Jamaica, a very good player, was tough for us. I think we defended well in the second half. We conceded some chances that maybe Jamaica could score, but overall I am happy with the way the team competed. We didn't concede, and now we need to prepare for the second leg in St. Louis. It's going to be tough because Jamaica, like today, showed that they are a very good team and they have very good players."

Question: “Also in the second half, we saw that the Jamaicans actually came back and applied a lot of pressure. How were you able to kind of handle that pressure and still maintain the score at the end?"

Pochettino's Answer: "I think for us it is really good to have this type of opponent like Jamaica to make us realize that we need to fight to match the aggressivity of the opponent. It's true that it's not easy competition, but we learn. We need to learn, and today is another step. Learning is easier when you win games; you can learn fast. But I think yes, it was a tough game. We need to be pleased and now try to design all the strategy to recover and be ready for Monday."

Musah’s Game-Saving Clearance

Midfielder’s quick reflexes preserve clean sheet

In the 66th minute of the match, the United States' lead was hanging in the balance. Jamaica had earned a free kick near midfield. Renaldo Cephas received Leon Bailey’s free-kick, pushing into the right side of the box before slotting a pass centrally to Mason Holgate, who was positioned just yards from the goal.

With the chance to level the game, Holgate prepared to tap the ball past U.S. goalkeeper Matt Turner. But in a moment of brilliance, Yunus Musah stepped up and delivered a perfectly timed and placed tackle, denying Holgate the opportunity and keeping the U.S. lead and clean sheet intact.

Musah has been playing off the right side of midfield under new manager   Mauricio Pochettino. Musah's timely intervention proved crucial, as the match soon descended into controversy. During the ensuing corner kick, tensions flared between the two sides, leading to a shoving match between the U.S.'s Antonee Robinson and Bailey. Both players were booked for their involvement in the altercation.

Despite the heated exchanges, Musah's defensive heroics ensured the United States maintained their advantage, showcasing the young midfielder's composure and defensive prowess in a high-pressure situation. His clutch play was integral to the U.S. securing a crucial victory.