Ricardo Pepi’s first start of the 2025-26 season led to the American forward earning Man of the Match honors.
Pepi scored twice as Peter Bosz’s PSV squad defeated NEC Nijmegen 5-3 in Eredivisie play on Saturday. The 23-year-old earned SBI Americans Abroad Player of the Week honors as he scored his first two league goals of the new campaign.
“The most important thing is the three points, especially in a difficult away game like this,” Pepi said in a club interview. “I haven’t played such games often, but these are definitely the best duels to play.”
Both of Pepi’s goals were important in the road win. He opened the scoring after just 12 minutes before also adding to the visitors’ lead early in the second half.
Although he only played 65 minutes in the match, Pepi showed signs of his old self again, showing great finishing and awareness in the 18-yard box. With Luuk De Jong now in Portugal and summer signing Alassane Plea injured, Pepi should remain in the No. 1 striker role for the foreseeable future.
Bosz praised Pepi’s pair of goals on Saturday, but also admitted that he isn’t at 100% fitness just yet, which led to his second-half substitution.
“He’s not quite there yet, but I’m so happy that we’re playing with a real striker again,” Bosz said in a club interview. “Then you see what that is worth. His first goal was a typical Pepi goal; the ball was perfect and he shot it hard. He is now even starting to score more and more with his head.”
Here is a closer look at this week’s top Americans Abroad performances:
Haji Wright
Also among the American goalscorers this weekend was Haji Wright.
Wright scored his fifth league goal of the season as Frank Lampard’s Coventry City squad rallied to draw Norwich City 1-1. The USMNT forward showed his awareness in the box in the 96th minute, bundling home a loose ball for a late equalizer.
Wright is on a blistering run of form to begin the 2025-26 campaign, which is good news for Coventry City and the USMNT.
Tyler Adams
Tyler Adams returned his starting role for Bournemouth on Saturday and did not disappoint.
Adams logged a strong 90 minutes in the Cherries’ 2-1 home victory over Brighton & Hove Albion. The 26-year-old won four duels, drew two fouls, and completed three clearances.
Andoni Iraola has continued to trust Adams in the heart of his midfield and the USMNT leader hasn’t backed down from the opportunity.
Cameron Carter-Vickers
It was a winning return to league play for Cameron Carter-Vickers and Celtic.
Carter-Vickers went the distance in a 2-1 road victory for Celtic at Kilmarnock. The USMNT defender won four duels, registered two shots on target, and made eight clearances.
Celtic are rolling at the top of the SPFL table and Carter-Vickers remains a big reason for it.
Alex Zendejas
Club America suffered a home defeat on Saturday, but Alex Zendejas celebrated his second goal of the Liga MX campaign.
Zendejas scored a late consolation in a 2-1 home loss to Chivas. The 27-year-old played the full 90+ minutes, creating three offensive chances, winning three duels, and completing 90% of his passes in the match.
Fresh from an impactful USMNT window, Zendejas looks ready to carry that form over to Club America.
What did you think of this weekend’s slate of Americans Abroad action? Is there anyone else deserving of a shout on this list?
Share your thoughts below.