Ricardo Pepi led the line for the U.S. men’s national team on Friday night and walked away with two goals and Man of the Match honors for his strong performance.
Pepi scored twice in Anthony Hudson’s squad, helping the USMNT earn a 7-1 Concacaf Nations League victory over Grenada. Friday marked Pepi’s first international appearance since late-September and his first multi-goal performance since October 2021.
The FC Groningen striker delivered the breakthrough goal for the USMNT, powering his fourth minute header in the back of the net. Pepi was flatfooted when Christian Pulisic’s cross came into the box, but still created enough power to propel the Americans in front 1-0.
Pepi came close to doubling his tally later in the half on a breakaway, but sent his shot straight at Grenada goalkeeper Jason Belfon. However, his impact in the final third remained a dangerous threat for the USMNT as the match moved forward.
The USMNT extended its lead later in the second half to 6-1 as Pepi delivered his second goal of the match. Luca De La Torre’s clever through ball between two Grenada defenders allowed Pepi to race behind the backline and send a powerful shot into the middle of the net.
Pepi was replaced by Daryl Dike in the 57th minute, leaving the pitch with his fourth and fifth international goals respectively. The performance will certainly give Pepi added confidence after a positive loan spell in the Dutch Eredvisie this season.
Pepi edged out Christian Pulisic, Auston Trusty, and Weston McKennie for Man of the Match honors.
What did you think of Pepi’s performance? Do you expect him to close the window with another Man of the Match showing against El Salvador?
Share your thoughts below.
Pulisic was the best player on pitch by a mile, literally created the first five goals. Even his set piece delivery was excellent. He is playing as well as I’ve ever seen between this game and his last couple with Chelsea. De La Torre and McKennie come next for me and then Pepi. Thought Pepi was good, and still believe he has massive potential, but he needs more seasoning to level up to where our best attackers are.
I agree that Pulisic was the best player. The Grenada players knew it, that is why he ended up on the ground so often.
McKennie scored two goals, but he was careless when passing the ball which likely would have resulted in punishment against a better team. I’ve noticed that tendency in his game in the past as well. He simply cannot be so careless against against good teams.
Del La Torre created more than Reyna did. I thought Reyna looked like he did not know what to do even with the ball at his feet. He is too talented to put in such a lackluster performance against weak opposition.
Reynolds did well getting forward and he is fast. Scally supported Pulisic well and stayed out of Pulisic’s space.
I always thought the food in Austria was better than in England, but Aaronson looks like he has added some needed size since coming to Leeds. (He needs to add more.)
The SBI love affair for Pepi needs to stop. Pulisic was far better. De La Torre was better. Mckennie was better.
This is a recurrent USMNT issue. We play so many crap opposition and then we think players are way better than they actually are, so we are shocked when they suck vs strong opposition.
Wake me up when Pepi starts scoring against top nations or starts and/or scores and performs in a top tier league league.
Call me unconvinced: he is slow, technically subpar, and not physically superior – good enough to bully lowly teams but not possessing anything special to make me believe he can be a dominant striker vs higher lever opposition. I hope he proves me wrong though.
Huh?
Well said.
Pulisic had a hand in the first 5 goals, assisting on two, creating two and scoring one. He is by far the MOTM,
Pulisic was a million times better than anyone else on the pitch today. Not even close.
Honestly a very positive performance for him. But I think MOTM should go to the most influential player on the pitch and that seemed to me to be Pulisic.
Great to see Pepe back and scoring and making several smart choices under pressure and against defenders.