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.