Borussia Moenchengladbach got the better of FC Heidenheim for the second time in four days with American forward Jordan Pefok earning Man of the Match honors in Tuesday’s showdown.

Pefok scored twice in Gladbach’s 3-1 home triumph over Heidenheim in DFB Pokal play, advancing them into the third round of the competition. It marked the first multi-goal performance for Pefok since arriving at the German club on loan from Union Berlin.

Pefok needed only three minutes to boost Gladbach in front 1-0, settling a Robin Hack cross in the box before drilling a low shot into the bottom-left corner. It marked Pefok’s first goal since September 17 across all competitions.

After giving Gladbach an early lead, Pefok delivered his second goal in the opening 10 minutes. Nathan Ngoumou’s pass allowed Pefok to rifle a right-footed shot into the roof of the Heidenheim net for a 2-0 advantage.

Hack’s header just before halftime extended Gladbach’s lead to 3-0, truly putting the match out of reach for Heidenheim.

Despite conceding Adrian Beck’s consolation goal after the hour mark, Gladbach hung on for a convincing second round victory at Borussia-Park.

Pefok played 65 minutes before being substituted off while fellow USMNT teammate Joe Scally logged 90 minutes at right back. It certainly will be a confidence booster for Pefok, who came into the match with only one goal in his first eight appearances for Gladbach.

“Of course, for me as a striker it’s important to score goals and I’m happy to have played my part in the win today,” Pefok said postmatch. “But I’d like to take this opportunity to praise my teammates who gave me these chances in the first place.

“The team’s cohesion was generally super and everyone fought for their teammates,” he added. “We can be pleased with the performance today, but the focus is now on the next Bundesliga game in Freiburg.”

Gladbach will resume Bundesliga play on November 4 against Freiburg, seeking a third-straight win across all competitions.