The US Men's National Team secured a 1-0 victory over Jamaica in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals, thanks to an early goal by Ricardo Pepi. This win marks Mauricio Pochettino's first competitive match as USMNT manager. Despite a scrappy and physical game on a challenging pitch, the US team managed to maintain their composure, with key performances from Christian Pulisic and goalkeeper Matt Turner, who saved a penalty. The USMNT is now well-positioned for the second leg in St. Louis, needing only a win or draw to advance to the finals.
The United States defeated Jamaica 1-0 in the first leg of the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals, with Ricardo Pepi scoring early from a Christian Pulisic assist. Matt Turner saved a penalty, and Jamaica ended the match with ten men after Mason Holgate's red card. This was the first competitive match for the U.S. under new coach Mauricio Pochettino. The second leg will be held in St. Louis, with the winner advancing to the semifinals.
U.S. Soccer and AT&T have collaborated with artist Luis Pinto and USMNT forward Ricardo Pepi on a bespoke design to honor Pepi's Mexican-American heritage during Hispanic Heritage Month. The design features elements such as a double-headed eagle, stars representing El Paso, and a focus on family and unity. The design will be showcased during the USMNT match against Germany on October 14, and a portion of proceeds from the sale of apparel featuring the design will be donated to a school in Pepi's hometown. The collaboration aims to celebrate diversity and bridge the digital divide, while Volkswagen will integrate the design into their logo and support Hispanic cultural endeavors.
The US men's national team (USMNT) secured a convincing 4-0 victory over Oman, with Weston McKennie impressing with his all-around skillset and partnership with Yunus Musah. Ricardo Pepi continued to make a case for himself as a striker option with a goal and an assist, while Folarin Balogun showed promise despite playing catchup in fitness. Benjamin Cremaschi made his USMNT debut and left a positive impression. Brenden Aaronson's relentless work rate earned him minutes, and the team looks forward to tougher challenges against Germany and Ghana in October.
USMNT striker Ricardo Pepi says he is ready to move on from Gregg Berhalter's decision to not take him to the 2022 World Cup and is looking forward to working with the newly reappointed U.S. manager. Pepi and other players who were snubbed from the World Cup will need to rebuild their relationships with Berhalter. Pepi is focused on the upcoming Concacaf Nations League final against Canada and is wary of the threat they pose. Berhalter will not take over the U.S. team again until after the Concacaf Gold Cup finishes in July.
The USMNT secured a spot in the semifinals of the 2023 Nations League with a 1-0 win over El Salvador. The U.S. team struggled to generate dangerous chances, but a perfect through-ball from Weston McKennie to Ricardo Pepi in the 62nd minute led to the game-winning goal. El Salvador's defensive game plan contained the U.S. attack out wide, but the central defense tandem of Tim Ream and Miles Robinson were excellent. Substitutes Pepi, Brenden Aaronson, and Luca de la Torre changed the game and helped secure the win.
USMNT striker Ricardo Pepi scored the game-winning goal against El Salvador in the CONCACAF Nations League, making a "big statement" after being left off the World Cup roster last year. Pepi scored three goals in a week for the national team, including two against Grenada. He has been on loan at Groningen from Augsburg, where he has scored 10 goals in all competitions. Pepi's loan is set to expire, but he said he's focused on scoring goals for the remainder of the club season.
Weston McKennie and Ricardo Pepi combined for the game's lone goal as the US men's national team defeated El Salvador 1-0 in a slow, tactical battle to top Concacaf Nations League A, Group D and secure a spot in the Nations League semifinal. McKennie was the US' most consistent player in build-up play, while Pepi scored just two minutes after coming on as a substitute. Both teams have already secured qualifications to this year's Gold Cup in their previous Nations League matches.
The USMNT secured a spot in the CONCACAF Nations League finals after defeating El Salvador 1-0, with Ricardo Pepi scoring the winning goal just moments after coming on as a substitute. The U.S. gradually took control of the match, but El Salvador, under manager and former U.S. international Hugo Sanchez, continued to give the U.S. all it could handle. Pepi's goal proved enough to claim the top spot in Group D and move on to the CNL finals in Las Vegas in June.
The USMNT defeated Grenada 7-1 in their first competitive game since the 2022 World Cup, with Ricardo Pepi and Weston McKennie each scoring twice and Christian Pulisic playing a major role in five of the goals. The win puts the USMNT within reach of a place in the CONCACAF Nations League final four, needing only a draw against El Salvador in their next game. The U.S. dominated the game, setting a new record for the most goals in a match played outside the United States.
Gio Reyna is set to return to the USMNT for the first time since the World Cup, despite controversy surrounding his role and disciplinary issues in Qatar. Zack Steffen and Ricardo Pepi also return to the squad for the CONCACAF Nations League. The USMNT is looking to move forward from the controversy and investigation, with a focus on the 2026 World Cup cycle. The team is also looking for a backup for Tyler Adams, who is not on the roster due to injury.
