For the first time in 11 months, Sergino Dest stepped onto the field of a competitive match.
Dest made his PSV return on Saturday, playing the final 23 minutes of his club’s 2-1 Eredivisie victory over Heerenveen. It was Dest’s first action since April 13, 2024 after being sidelined longterm due to a torn ACL.
The U.S. men’s national team right back replaced fellow international teammate Richie Ledezma after the hour mark.
Ismael Saibari and Guus Til both scored for Peter Bosz’s squad. The result moved PSV five points back of league-leading Ajax.
Dest, who was not included in Mauricio Pochettino’s preliminary CONCACAF Nations League roster, likely won’t be back in USMNT action until the summer.
“I am very happy to be back,” Dest said postmatch about his return. “The supporters and the players took care of me well and I am very grateful for that. I’ve had that feeling for eleven months. Before the game I just thought, I want to get in and play again.
“Fortunately, the trainer gave me half an hour which was super fine.” he added. “I also went straight into the duels and was only driven to look them up. Of course I have to take it easy and be careful, but it felt good.”
PSV’s win on Saturday snapped a three-match losing streak ahead of Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League trip to Arsenal. The Gunners leading 7-1 on aggregate after a dominant first leg victory last week.