USMNT's Ricardo Pepi inspires PSV's incredible 8-0 win over Koninklijke HFC in the Dutch KNVB Cup second round

When Ricardo Pepi starts, he usually scores and that continued in PSV's incredible 8-0 rout over Dutch third division side Koninklijke in the second round of the Dutch Cup Tuesday.

The American striker scored in 31st and 83rd minute to help the Boeren advance to the next round of the tournament. Fellow CONCACAF star Hirving Lozano got things going for PSV early on with a 12th minute strike. Guus Til and Ivan Perisic, who also had a brace, rounded out scoring in the match. PSV were also helped by two own goals from the visitors.

U.S. national team hopeful Richy Ledezma also started at right back and played 76 minutes.

Pepi has been yet to be held scoreless when he starts for PSV this season, having recorded goals in his previous seven starts for the club.

As for the other CONCACAF standouts, Lozano is having a nice sendoff ahead of his move to MLS with San Diego FC. The Mexico international has made four substitute appearances in December for the Dutch club and scored his first goal for the club since September.

Ledezma is also amid a recent uptick in minutes, having made three starts at right back in December for PSV.

PSV are looking to get back to the summit of the Dutch Cup, having previously won in 2023. In 2024, Arne Slot's Feyenoord lifted the trophy, a proper send off for a manager who currently has Liverpool leading the Premier League title race.

PSV are currently third all-time in Dutch Cup wins at 11, with Feyenoord (14) and Ajax (20) ahead of them.

PSV will host Feyenoord on Dec. 22. The visitors currently sit fourth, while PSV hold a six-point lead in the Eredivisie title race.