Ricardo Pepi proving a point with USMNT
After being left off the World Cup roster for the United States, forward Ricardo Pepi had a point to prove in the latest CONCACAF Nations League window.
The FC Dallas product was left home while former USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter paved the way for Josh Sargent and Jesus Ferreira to make the trip to Qatar. Neither of them instilled brilliance as a No. 9 for the United States.
Leaving much to be desired, Pepi finally got his shot to prove his worth again, and boy did he take advantage of that opportunity. The 20-year-old scored three times in two games and was the source of an inspirational attack with a meaningful No. 9 that was missing at the World Cup.
In the 7-1 win against Grenada last Friday, Pepi had a strong header on the end of a Christian Pulisic cross before making a run behind the Grenada defense and providing a well-composed finish. In the 1-0 win against El Salvador on Monday, Pepi was the ultimate super-sub as he replaced Daryl Dike in the 60th minute before scoring two minutes later as he displayed his pace, strength and skill to break the deadlock.
While goals in the Nations League against teams like Grenada and El Salvador won’t guarantee that he will become the go-to scorer, it is certainly a step in the right direction. So many others have gone before him and failed to take over in that crucial role.
The USMNT has previously seen players light up much lesser opposition before falling off and letting the No. 9 carousel search continue. After having the opportunity of a lifetime snatched from him, Pepi made his point in two games this international window and will be eager to continue to build his status as the competition gets tougher with the semifinals in June at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
If Pepi continues to have such a positive impact, perhaps the USMNT might have finally found a reliable forward that can fill in the link that has been missing.
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