
<p>United States men’s national team forward Ricardo Pepi looks set to officially join PSV Eindhoven. The 20-year-old American had been linked with the Dutch side for weeks, but an agreement is now reportedly in place. Pepi previously spent last season on loan in the Netherlands with Groningen.</p>



<p>Although the transfer has not yet been announced by the club, soccer transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano is claiming that the deal is done. Augsburg, Pepi’s now former club, will receive nearly $11 million for the player. The center forward has also already agreed personal terms with PSV and will sign a contract there until the summer of 2028.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ricardo Pepi to PSV Eindhoven, done deal confirmed — he only wanted PSV as revealed weeks ago ⚪️🔴 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSV</a><br><br>Understand fee will be €10m already agreed with Augsburg, personal terms also agreed last week.<br><br>Contract until June 2028.<br><br>USMNT striker stays in Eredivisie.<br><br>Here we go 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/jjZ7kjyUFG">pic.twitter.com/jjZ7kjyUFG</a></p>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1673690388081655813?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>PSV may be perfect place for Ricardo Pepi</h2>



<p>Pepi had a solid 2022/23 season while on loan at Groningen. He managed to score 12 goals and add three assists in 29 total <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/eredivisie-tv-schedule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eredivisie</a> appearances. The quality campaign certainly seemed to make other clubs in the country take notice. Despite Pepi’s good season, Groningen was relegated after finishing bottom of the division. PSV, on the other hand, will take part in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Champions League</a> qualification round in early August. </p>



<p>PSV appears to be a great landing spot for Pepi. The Dutch giants are known for developing young players. In fact, the club has helped former stars such as Ronaldo, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Arjen Robben, Ruud Gullit, and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. According to Romano, Pepi essentially only wanted to join PSV.</p>



<h5>Young American has performed well for USMNT</h5>



<p>Despite making a sale, Augsburg will lose money on the transfer. The German side previously purchased Pepi for around $18 million from FC Dallas in 2022. The financial hit, however, is not necessarily an indication of the player’s performance. Along with his solid season with Groningen, Pepi has also done well with the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/usmnt-tv-schedule/">USMNT</a>.</p>



<p>The center forward already has seven goals in 16 total appearances with the international team. These scores have also come as Pepi does not typically play a majority of matches. In fact, his last four goals for the USMNT have come in his last 114 minutes on the pitch. Pepi played just 15 minutes against rivals <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/mexico-national-team-tv-schedule/">Mexico</a> on June 16th, yet found the back of the net.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO &amp; Agencia-MexSport</em></p>


United States men's national team center forward Ricardo Pepi will switch from Augsburg to PSV Eindhoven in a $11 million deal.

Ricardo Pepi set for $11 million move to PSV


<p>The United States men’s national team (USMNT) booked its place in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/concacaf-nations-league-schedule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nations League</a> final after beating <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/mexico-national-team-tv-schedule/">Mexico</a> on Thursday. Christian Pulisic netted a brace for the Yanks, but the match between the rivals gained attention for the wrong reasons. Four players were sent off in the second half and the game ended early because of homophobic chants.</p>



<p>Pulisic grabbed his first goal of the game in the 37th minute. The Chelsea attacker pounced on a loose ball inside Mexico’s box, used a burst of speed to get by a defender, and slotted home a shot from a fairly difficult angle to give the Americans the lead. Jorge Sanchez had the ball at his feet yet couldn’t control it before Pulisic made his move.</p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This man <a href="https://twitter.com/pulisic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@pulisic</a> loves the big stage 💫 <br><br>🎥 » <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CBSSportsGolazo</a> <a href="https://t.co/rf2ThGRDzK">pic.twitter.com/rf2ThGRDzK</a></p>— U.S. Men&apos;s National Soccer Team (@USMNT) <a href="https://twitter.com/USMNT/status/1669540127935447040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>The captain, however, wasn’t done there. Pulisic then scored his second goal of the evening only moments after the start of the second half. Weston McKennie played a long ball out on the right flank toward Tim Weah. The winger collected the pass and played a perfect cross toward his onrushing captain. Pulisic was able to latch on to the pass and put the ball into the net with an outstretched foot.</p>



<h2>USMNT gets past Mexico in fiery Nations League contest</h2>



<p>Things then got chippy when Cesar Montes was sent off for a dangerous kick on Folarin Balogun. McKennie, and many of his American teammates, quickly confronted Montes for the foul. The Juventus midfielder was then also shown a red card for his part in the scuffle. McKennie’s shirt was <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1669551848133476355" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">practically ripped off</a> during the incident.</p>



<p>Second-half substitute Ricardo Pepi then put the nail in the coffin with a goal in the 78th minute. Sergino Dest created the score with a fantastic run and pass to the striker. Pepi collected the ball free inside the box and placed a perfect shot past Guillermo Ochoa. Despite looking offside, the forward timed his run perfectly.</p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">EL TREN KEEPS ROLLING 🚂 <br><br>🎥 » <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CBSSportsGolazo</a> <a href="https://t.co/mv9lKuXOfI">pic.twitter.com/mv9lKuXOfI</a></p>— U.S. Men&apos;s National Soccer Team (@USMNT) <a href="https://twitter.com/USMNT/status/1669555627348353024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Two more players were sent off just eight minutes after the Pepi goal. Dest and Mexico’s Gerardo Arteaga <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1669556962546290688" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">both received red cards</a> in the 85th minute after an altercation involving hands to the face. Arteaga initiated the fight, while the American defender retaliated.</p>



<h5>Mexico fans chant homophobic songs at end of match</h5>



<p>With the game out of reach, the referee paused the match in the 89th minute due to homophobic chants from the majority away crowd. While the game resumed, the referee called the game a few minutes early because the chants continued. The Mexican supporters targeted American goalkeeper Matt Turner with the songs.</p>



<p>Despite the disappointing display from the crowd, the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/usmnt-tv-schedule/">USMNT</a> defeated Mexico and advanced to the Nations League final on Sunday, June 18. The Yanks will play <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/canada-national-team-tv-schedule/">Canada</a> for the trophy. </p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Agencia MexSport</em></p>


The USMNT advanced to the Nations League final after beating rivals Mexico on Thursday. The match featured four red cards and three goals.

Pulisic brace propels USMNT by Mexico in Nations League semi


<p>US Mens National Team (USMNT) striker <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/09/17/ricardo-pepi-scores-first-goal-for-groningen/">Ricardo Pepi’</a>s club FC Groningen <a href="https://www-fcgroningen-nl.translate.goog/nieuws-uitgelicht/fc-groningen-degradeert-na-gelijkspel-in-deventer/?_x_tr_sl=auto&amp;_x_tr_tl=en&amp;_x_tr_hl=en&amp;_x_tr_pto=wapp#" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">has been relegated</a> from the Dutch Eredivisie after a terrible season. </p>



<p>The 20-year-old joined the Dutch club on loan from German side FC Augsburg last summer, netting 12 goals this season.</p>



<p>However, his heroics weren’t enough as Groningen endured a terrible campaign in which they just garnered 18 points, winning just four games and losing 21 times this season. </p>



<p>Their relegation from the top division was confirmed this weekend when they drew 1-1 against Go Ahead Eagles earlier on Sunday. &nbsp;</p>



<h5>Pepi bright spark in a difficult campaign</h5>



<p>Pepi has been the bright spark in the club’s dismal campaign. However, with the club failing to stave clear off the drop, his future will be uncertain. </p>



<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/ricardo-pepi-hung-up-on-gregg-berhalter-after-world-cup-snub-20230105-WST-414433.html">The USMNT striker</a> has captured the spotlight with his performances, contributing not only with his goals but also setting up three throughout. </p>



<p>Pepi thus became the first player since former Liverpool and Barcelona striker Luis Suarez to have registered 15 goal involvements in a single season for Groningen.</p>



<h5>Future with the USMNT</h5>



<p>His performances will keep in contention regularly for the USMNT in the coming months but it remains to be seen if he can cement his place in the national side after a tough last couple of years. It was a huge surprise for fans when the former FC Dallas player was ignored for the World Cup in Qatar last year. </p>



<p>Pepi made his debut for the national side at just 18, having 14 MLS goals to his credit.</p>



<p>When Augsburg paid over $20m to secure his services last year, it was believed that the youngster would finally come of age and fulfil his potential in Europe. However, a disappointing next few months saw the player make 15 appearances without hitting the back of the net even once.</p>



<p>Since then his exploits in the Eredivisie have been praiseworthy, and it is believed that he might return to Germany to show Augsburg to show his development. Whether or not he becomes a regular for the German next season, it remains to be seen what his prospects with the national team have in store.</p>



<p>Photo credit: IMAGO / Pro Shots</p>


Ricardo Pepi’s Groningen relegated from Eredivisie - World Soccer Talk

Ricardo Pepi’s Groningen relegated from Eredivisie


<p>The USMNT narrowly beat El Salvador on Monday night in Orlando to book its spot in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/concacaf-nations-league-schedule/">CONCACAF Nations League</a> Finals. Ricardo Pepi’s lone goal in the second half was all the Yanks needed to secure the win at Exploria Stadium. Now, the United States is in the final four of the competition.</p>



<h5>Hudson makes massive changes to starting XI</h5>



<p>Interim manager Anthony Hudson made a host of changes to his lineup that <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/pulisic-leads-usmnt-to-7-1-victory-against-grenada-20230325-WST-425228.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scorched Grenada on Friday</a>. In fact, seven new players entered into the starting XI compared to the previous match. Sergiño Dest, Antonee Robinson, Miles Robinson, Tim Ream, Yunus Musah, Daryl Dike and Alex Zendejas all started against El Salvador.</p>



<p>The visitors nearly took an early lead on the night after Jairo Henriquez attempted a shot into the bottom corner of the net. However, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/usmnt-tv-schedule/">USMNT</a> No. 1 Matt Turner made a sprawling save to deny the Central Americans. The Arsenal shot-stopper was just barely able to <a href="https://t.co/MtdwpJZQD1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">get a fingertip on the shot</a> and put the ball out for a corner kick.</p>



<h2>USMNT into Nations League Finals with strong second half</h2>



<p>After a fairly even first half, the USMNT picked up the pace in the second 45. In fact, <a href="https://twitter.com/USMNT/status/1640516285174886403" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gio Reyna nearly put the hosts ahead</a> straight after the start of the half. Christian Pulisic played in Reyna with a pass down the left flank. The Borussia Dortmund attacker picked up the ball near the edge of the penalty box, skipped past a defender, and put in a low shot that would beat the El Salvador keeper. The ball, however, would hit the post and go back towards safety.</p>



<p>Nevertheless, the hosts finally went ahead in the 62nd minute of the match. Pepi, who only just entered the fray two minutes beforehand, latched onto a gorgeous through ball by Weston McKennie and chipped the keeper to put the ball into the net. It was just the striker’s second touch of the game. Pepi now has three goals in his last two appearances for the USMNT.</p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">🚂 🚂 🚂 🚂<br> 🚂           🚂<br> 🚂  🚂 🚂 🚂<br> 🚂<br> 🚂<br><br> 🚂 🚂 🚂 🚂<br> 🚂<br> 🚂 🚂 🚂<br> 🚂<br> 🚂 🚂 🚂 🚂<br><br> 🚂 🚂 🚂 🚂<br> 🚂           🚂<br> 🚂  🚂 🚂 🚂<br> 🚂<br> 🚂<br><br> 🚂<br> 🚂<br> 🚂<br> 🚂 <a href="https://t.co/CTrscCybUQ">pic.twitter.com/CTrscCybUQ</a></p>— U.S. Men&apos;s National Soccer Team (@USMNT) <a href="https://twitter.com/USMNT/status/1640521344654737412?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>With the lead now secure, the USMNT were comfortable in the remaining half an hour of the game. The Yanks now have a 22-match unbeaten streak against El Salvador. They will head to the Nations League Finals to be played in June. However, the USMNT will first face rivals <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/mexico-national-team-tv-schedule/">Mexico</a> on April 19th in Arizona. The upcoming fixture is the inaugural Allstate Continental Clásico.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Icon Sportswire</em></p>


The USMNT beat El Salvador Monday night thanks to a lone goal by Ricardo Pepi to put the Yanks in the Nations League Finals this summer.

Pepi goal puts USMNT in Nations League Finals - World Soccer Talk

Pepi goal puts USMNT in Nations League Finals


<p>Ricardo Pepi claims that he hung up on Gregg Berhalter during a phone call prior the 2022 World Cup. The call from the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/usmnt-tv-schedule/">USMNT</a> head coach was to tell the striker that he did not make the World Cup roster. Pepi explained the incident during an appearance on the <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/kon-veel-minder-de-podcast/id1434291751" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kon Veel Minder</a> podcast. </p>



<p>When asked if he remembers when he found out about the snub, Pepi claimed the remembered ‘the exact moment.’ </p>



<p>“I hopped on a phone call with the national team head coach, and you know, he said that I wasn’t on the roster. Then I just hung up the phone on him,” said Pepi.</p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"I just hung up the phone on him." <br><br>Ricardo Pepi when he found out he wasn&apos;t going to be on the USMNT World Cup roster. 🙃<br><br>(h/t <a href="https://twitter.com/FB_Bentley?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FB_Bentley</a>) <a href="https://t.co/rVFrCiwptc">pic.twitter.com/rVFrCiwptc</a> <a href="https://t.co/9O041SodHz">pic.twitter.com/9O041SodHz</a></p>— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) <a href="https://twitter.com/usmntonly/status/1610795736978935808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>Ricardo Pepi did not bother questioning Gregg Berhalter</h2>



<p>The center forward was then questioned if he ever asked why he was left off of the World Cup roster. </p>



<p>“No, not really to be honest,” Pepi responded. “It was just something that I was in shock. I was in shock because it took me like five minutes to be able to just like get it in my mind, you know?” </p>



<p>“At first, I just couldn’t believe it. And then I was just talking to the coach. Then, when we hung up the phone, I just called my agent immediately. Then, I called my dad. And they thought I was playing with them. I was shocked to be honest”</p>



<h5>Teenage striker having good season in Europe</h5>



<p>Pepi is currently in a successful loan spell with Dutch side Groningen. The 19-year-old forward has scored seven goals in 10 total matches with the club. He has also added two assists during this stretch. Six of these seven goals were scored prior to Berhalter’s announcement of the World Cup roster.</p>



<p>The United States struggled to score during the tournament in Qatar. They managed just three total goals in four matches at the World Cup. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/poland-national-team-tv-schedule/">Poland</a> was the only other team to qualify for the knockout round that scored as few as three goals in the competition.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Icon Sportswire</em></p>


American striker Ricardo Pepi claimed that he hung up on Gregg Berhalter when the coach informed him that he was not on the World Cup squad.

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Ricardo Pepi hung up on Gregg Berhalter after World Cup snub