Ricardo Pepi might have been reduced to a substitute role in Monday’s Concacaf Nations League finale against El Salvador, but it didn’t stop the in-form striker from having a say in the final scoreline.
Pepi scored the winning goal for Anthony Hudson’s squad in a 1-0 home triumph over El Salvador, helping the Americans clinch top spot in Group D of League A. Pepi’s third goal of the March window helped him earn SBI Man of the Match honors after leading the USMNT to a spot in the CNL semifinals this summer.
The FC Groningen striker came off the bench in the 60th minute and made an instant impact just one minute later. Weston McKennie’s through ball pass helped Pepi sneak behind the El Salvador backline before he chipped Mario Gonzalez for a breakthrough goal.
Pepi came close to doubling his tally later in the half with the Americans seeking an insurance goal, but Gonzalez stretched himself to repel the close-range volley. The 20-year-old was lively off the bench, becoming a consistent problem for La Selecta’s defenders in the box.
The USMNT would hang on for a 1-0 victory, its second-consecutive victory of 2023.
Pepi edged out Weston McKennie, Miles Robinson, and Gio Reyna for Man of the Match honors.
What did you think of Pepi’s performance? Do you expect him to be the USMNT’s long-term strike option heading into the summer?
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