Forward Scores in Fourth Straight League Match, Assisted by His Compatriot
Ricardo Pepi's resurgence continues to gather momentum as the 22-year-old forward netted his fourth consecutive Eredivisie goal in PSV Eindhoven's 2-1 victory over Utrecht on Sunday. After struggling through injury troubles earlier in 2025, the striker is hitting his stride at precisely the right moment, with the 2026 World Cup looming on the horizon.
Trailing 1-0 at halftime after Mike van der Hoorn's header gave Utrecht the lead, PSV emerged reinvigorated after the break. The turnaround began in the 52nd minute when fellow American Sergino Dest delivered a perfectly weighted pass from the right side of the penalty area. The right-back's ball beat two defenders and found Pepi in the six-yard box, where he calmly slotted home a first-time finish into the bottom corner.
It marked the first time this season the USMNT duo had combined for a goal, with Dest registering his fifth Eredivisie assist of the campaign. Ivan Perišić completed the comeback 14 minutes from time, heading home from a well-worked corner routine to secure PSV's 15th league victory.
The win extended PSV's commanding lead at the top of the table to 12 points before the winter break. For Pepi, now wearing the prestigious No. 9 shirt inherited from departed legend Luuk de Jong, the goal brought his season tally to nine across all competitions—a statement of intent as he builds his case for a starting role under Mauricio Pochettino.
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