Pepi Out for the Season

The Striker Will Miss Time Following Surgery, Extended at PSV

Ricardo Pepi has suffered a significant setback in a breakthrough season at PSV Eindhoven, with the forward requiring meniscus surgery following a knee injury sustained in PSV's dramatic 3-2 Champions League victory over Liverpool. The injury, which occurred in the same match where Pepi scored the winning goal, will sideline him for the remainder of the 2024-25 season.

The timing is miserable as the 22-year-old had been enjoying his most prolific campaign in European football, notching 18 goals in 29 appearances across all competitions despite primarily serving as a backup to club captain Luuk de Jong. His impressive form had caught the attention of Premier League side West Ham United, who reportedly submitted a $25 million bid in January.

PSV demonstrated their faith in Pepi's potential by rejecting that offer and securing his long-term future with a contract extension through 2030 instead. The Texas native expressed his commitment to the Dutch giants despite the injury setback.

"At the time it happened, I thought the injury wasn't too bad. But the next day I knew something was wrong," Pepi explained. "This is unfortunately the risk of our profession, but I assure you that I will be back as soon as possible."

PSV head coach Peter Bosz confirmed the severity of the injury, stating: "We assume that Ricardo Pepi will be out for the rest of the season." The injury rules Pepi out of the USMNT's upcoming CONCACAF Nations League semifinal against Panama in March.

Despite the setback, Pepi remained optimistic about his future with PSV: "Thanks to the enormous amount of love and opportunities PSV gives me and the special club that PSV is, I had no doubts about extending my contract. We have already experienced many unforgettable moments together, and hopefully, many special milestones will follow."

Johnny Extended at Betis

 Midfielder Signed Through 2030 Despite Tottenham Transfer Clause

Johnny Cardoso has committed his long-term future to Real Betis, signing a contract extension that will keep him at the Spanish club until 2030. The new deal comes after an impressive first year in La Liga, during which the 23-year-old has established himself as a crucial component of Manuel Pellegrini's squad.

Since arriving from Internacional in Brazil during the 2024 winter transfer window, Cardoso has featured in 44 matches for Betis, contributing two goals and three assists while primarily operating as a defensive midfielder. His seamless adaptation to Spanish football has attracted attention from several high-profile clubs, including Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur, with the latter holding a right of first refusal on any potential transfer.

"This [transfer interest] motivates me even more to continue working, evolving and seeking to achieve great goals," Cardoso said. "It has been a very special year, with a lot of learning and development. I have adapted very well here. I think I have gained more experience, I have improved as an athlete both technically and tactically, and I continue to evolve."

Despite the contract extension, reports from Mundo Deportivo indicate that Tottenham's £21 million option to buy Cardoso remains valid for the summer transfer window. This clause was reportedly championed by Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou, who is said to be an admirer of the American midfielder.

Pefok Returns to Stade Reims, Injured in First Match

 Striker Suffered a Knee Injury in First Match Back in France

Jordan Pefok has emotionally returned to Stade de Reims, the club where he began his professional career, only to suffer a serious injury setback in his first appearance back at the French club.

The 28-year-old forward completed a €4.5 million transfer from Union Berlin, signing a contract to keep him at the Stade Auguste-Delaune until 2027. The move marked a homecoming for Pefok, who scored 25 goals in 75 appearances for Reims during his first spell. In the standout 2017-18 season, he led the club's scoring charts during their promotion to Ligue 1.

Reims General Manager Mathieu Lacour expressed his enthusiasm about the reunion: "It is always a pleasure to see the return of a player trained at the Club. Jordy has always been part of our history, and his return is a great opportunity to strengthen our team."

Before his return to France, Pefok had struggled to find form in Germany, failing to score in 18 Bundesliga appearances this season. Despite the challenges, the striker maintained a positive attitude about his time at Union Berlin. "I will never forget my time at Union," Pefok said upon his departure. "I made a lot of new friends, and what we achieved together is still incredible."

However, his fresh start at Reims took a devastating turn when he suffered a serious injury shortly after being introduced as a substitute in a Coupe de France match against Bourgoin-Jallieu. The injury cut short his eagerly anticipated return to French football, adding another challenging chapter to a career that has seen him play across France, Switzerland, and Germany since leaving Reims.

The nine-time capped USMNT forward will now focus on his recovery as he looks to revive his career at his boyhood club.

Conrad's First International Goal

On This Day in 2007, the Center-Back Scored the Opener in a Dos-a-Cero Friendly Victory over Mexico

Opportunity can present itself in the most unexpected ways. Just a year before the 2006 World Cup, Jimmy Conrad was a long shot to make the U.S. national team roster, having made only eight international appearances. Not only did he make the squad, but he also played in Germany and emerged as one of the team's veteran leaders after the tournament.

Following Bruce Arena's departure after a disappointing World Cup group-stage exit, interim coach Bob Bradley took charge and began rebuilding. With veterans like Eddie Pope, Kasey Keller, Brian McBride, and Claudio Reyna either retiring or not being called up, Conrad found himself in an unfamiliar position. At 29, he was one of the elder statesmen in camp.

"This is obviously the first camp before the next World Cup cycle, so Bob's going want to see a lot of new guys, lot of young guys and give them their chance," Conrad said before the February 7 friendly against Mexico at the University of Phoenix Stadium. "I don't think you ever relax when you're with the national team because there are so many people gunning for playing time and positioning."

The match itself lived up to the intense rivalry, played before a sellout crowd of 64,462 that heavily favored the visitors. Mexico came out aggressive under new coach Hugo Sánchez, with Cuauhtemoc Blanco leading early attacks. Conrad had to make a crucial clearance in the fourth minute after goalkeeper Tim Howard dropped the ball in front of goal with Mexican forwards lurking.

But it was Conrad who would break the deadlock in the 52nd minute. The Kansas City Wizards defender met Landon Donovan's corner kick with a powerful header that beat goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez inside the left post – his first international goal in his 19th appearance. "I think we showed what we're made of," Conrad said afterward.

Mexico pressed hard for an equalizer, forcing Howard into several saves, including denying Omar Bravo in the 67th minute. The match grew increasingly heated, with Mexican captain Rafael Marquez and American forward Eddie Johnson exchanging shoves in the later stages. But Donovan sealed the victory in the 90th minute, converting a breakaway off Ricardo Clark's pass for his 27th international goal.

The 2-0 victory extended the Americans' impressive run against their biggest rivals. They improved to 8-2-1 against Mexico since 2000 and maintained their unbeaten home record (7-0-1). While Bradley's interim status meant the result wouldn't directly determine his future as head coach, it was another positive step in rebuilding the program after the World Cup disappointment. 

For Conrad, it validated his unlikely journey from national team outsider to scoring match-winner in one of American soccer's biggest rivalries. The defender would play nine more matches for the US over the next cycle, including two matches at the 2007 Copa America. He also captained the side twice in the 2009 Gold Cup. His last game was the 2010 friendly against Honduras, where he was captain for the fifth time.