+18 | Commercial Content | T&C's Apply | Play Responsibly | Publishing Principles
Ricardo Pepi, Tanner TessmannGetty/GOAL
Alex Labidou

Americans Abroad: PSV's Ricardo Pepi rides Champions League momentum, Tanner Tessmann and Lyon look to contend in Ligue 1

GOAL looks at the biggest storylines among Americans Abroad, including Pepi and PSV riding stunning a Champions League win

It's hard to believe, but there are fewer than eight months until the World Cup kicks off on June 11, 2026. 

If there is one area in which U.S. men's national team manager Mauricio Pochettino has differentiated himself from his predecessors, it's that his player pool is continuing to expand, rather than contract, as the tournament draws closer. The likes of Cristian Roldan, Haji Wright, and Miles Robinson are emerging in Pochettino's rotation, meaning the competition for spots is increasing - even for well-established players. 

That all, of course, impacts American playing abroad. Is Ricardo Pepi, for example, still the No. 2 - or even potentially the No. 1 striker? Injuries have derailed his playing time over the past few months, but the PSV striker sent a reminder of his quality as his team stunned Napoli 6-2 midweek in the Champions League.

And then there's Tanner Tessmann, who, a few months ago, was firmly out of the rotation. The Lyon midfielder was a solid role player in Ligue 1 last season, but he's emerged as a key player for the French side this year, and that form was reflected in his impressive performances for the USMNT in October. Can he help Lyon mount a surprising title bid this season?

GOAL looks at the biggest storylines among Americans Abroad this weekend.

  • PSV Eindhoven v R. Union Saint-Gilloise - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1Getty Images Sport

    Pepi aims for more

    Pepi needed this. It was only seven minutes, but in that span on Tuesday, the former FC Dallas star came off the bench and notched a goal and an assist to help PSV rout Napoli. It's arguably the biggest upset of the Champions League so far, as the defending Seria A champions were heavy favorites.

    Pepi never lacks confidence. Whether mired in a goal drought or coming off a long injury layoff, his disposition remains the same. Which is critical because it's been a challenging few months for the 22-year-old.

    This week's goal contributions were his first in more than a month, and he's still recovering from the knee injury he sustained against Liverpool in January - which ironically came against a club he was linked with in transfer rumors. Had he not been injured, there's a chance Pepi could have joined the Reds and secured a starting role with the USMNT. 

    Now, Pepi finds himself in an interesting situation, especially ahead of the U.S.'s November camp. Folarin Balogun vaulted into the No. 1 spot after two clinical performances in September and October. Haji Wright showed he can be a viable No. 2 option for Pochettino after a sharp outing against Australia. And the likes of Patrick Agyemang, Brian White, and even Josh Sargent are still hoping to be in the mix.

    Pepi has a chance to keep himself in the running with a good showing against Feyenoord, an early-season clash with title implications on both sides. After years of knocking on the door, especially since former manager Arne Slot left for Liverpool, De Trots van Zuid are on top of the Eredivisie at 25 points.

    Three points behind them are, you guessed it, PSV. The stage is big and the stakes are high. If Pepi can deliver, it could bode well when next month's roster is announced. 

    • Advertisement
  • Leeds United v Bournemouth - Premier LeagueGetty Images Sport

    Adams' Bournemouth to keep rising?

    Tyler Adams got a taste of Champions League football in his first two years at Red Bull Leipzig, which coincidentally were his first two years in Europe. He might be playing in it again next year, if Bournemouth keep their early form. 

    The Cherries are surprisingly tied with Liverpool for third in the Premier League after eight games. Yes, it's still early, but Bournemouth aren't the beneficiaries of an easy early schedule; they've proved they belong by beating Tottenham and drawing Newcastle in those results. They've come off a draw against Chris Richards and Crystal Palace. Nottingham Forest, in theory, offer the perfect get-right game for Andoni Iraola's side. 

    Forest have been the most chaotic team in the Premier League. They're already on their third manager after just two months, with Sean Dyche looking to try his hand. Although the team got a much-needed win in the manager's first game, a 2-0 result over Porto in the Europa League, Forest are 18th in the table and tied with Wolverhampton for the worst attack with just five goals. Bournemouth should be heavy favorites.

    Adams, for his part, has been excellent this season. FotMob ranks him above 93 percent of other midfielders in the Premier League in defensive contributions, and he's among the top third in midfielders for aerial duels won. Forest might have Dyche, but it's likely going to be difficult for Forest to crack what Bournemouth have in their leading American midfielder. 

  • FBL-FRA-LIGUE1-LYON-ANGERSAFP

    Tessmann to build on USMNT form

    Outside of Wright, Tanner Tessmann was arguably the biggest winner from the USMNT's October camp. After not getting called in for the Gold Cup and missing several other camps, some wondered if the Lyon midfielder was a fit for Pochettino's tactical setup. But with Tyler Adams out, the Argentine turned to the 24-year-old Tessman.

    And he responded with good outings against Ecuador and Australia. And in France, he's also delivering as well. According to FotMob, Tessmann has emerged as one of the top defensive midfielders in Ligue 1 - a league that routinely develops and sells elite players in that position. Per 90, he's among the league's best at delivering long balls at 2.94 per game and he's also strong at blocked shots - averaging 1.12 per contest.

    While Tim Weah and Marseille have made headlines for their surprising challenge of PSG in the French top flight, OL are quietly just three points back of the top seed in fifth place. Tessmann and Lyon face a tough match against Strasbourg this weekend, a team sitting third in Ligue 1.

    If his side wins, it could see them catapult into a Champions League slot or even higher, depending on results. For a player who was flying under the radar last season, Tessmann might be getting his just due this campaign - especially if things continue on the club level.