Ricardo Pepi becamethe second-youngest player to appear in a World Cup qualifier for the U.S. men's national team as the FC Dallas star contributed to all four goals in Wednesday's 4-1 win over Honduras.
Pepi, who spoke to Goal earlier this summer about his recent rise and future ambitions , has emerged as one of MLS' most deadly strikers and he certainly made his mark on his international debut by scoring a goal, assisting two more and setting up another in a much-needed win.
With the start, Pepi made his first USMNT appearance at just 18 years, 242 days, making him the second-youngest American to play in World Cup qualifying behind only Christian Pulisic (17 years, 193 days in a March 2016 match against Guatemala).
What was said?
"I was prepared for the moment," Pepi said after the match. "I've been training, just preparing with the team. I feel like I was out there with the guys getting ready for this game so I was ready."
Added USMNT boss Gregg Berhalter: "I think he did a great job. He worked tirelessly, competed against physical centerbacks, scored a really good goal. Overall I think he had a strong performance. For an 18 year old, it's really impressive what he did."
Pepi's big day
Pepi helped create the USMNT's first goal, driving to the near post to free up substitute Antonee Robinson for his momentum-swinging finish in the 48th minute.
The FC Dallas star then headed home the eventual winner on a cross from DeAndre Yedlin, another substitute that changed the tone of this game and, ultimately, this week for the U.S.
But the Pepi party was only just getting started at that point as the 18-year-old striker padded his stats by teeing up substitute Brendan Aaronson to make it 3-1 before seeing his 93rd-minute shot parried into the path of substitute Sebastian Lletget for the USMNT's fourth
For those keeping track at home, that was four goal contributions for Pepi, three goals from substitutes and, most importantly, three points for the USMNT heading into October's international break.
The USMNT lineup
Facing what was essentially a must-win clash so early in the cycle, USMNT boss Gregg Berhalter sent out an unpredictable lineup with several major changes.
Pepi, George Bello, James Sands and Mark McKenzie all played in a World Cup qualifier for the first time, with Sands playing in the central midfield after playing as a centerback through the Gold Cup.
However, that lineup was immediately proven to be a mistake as the U.S. were undone by Honduras in a poor first half that ended 1-0 in favor of the hosts.
At the half, Berhalter made three changes, sending out Antonee Robinson, Sebastian Lletget and Brenden Aaronson before also bringing in DeAndre Yedlin and Cristian Roldan a bit later.
All but Roldan, who replaced an injured Pulisic, contributed to goals, with Pepi being the common denominator in all four as the U.S. got their qualifying campaign back on track.
Up next for the U.S. is a clash with Jamaica on October 7, with the team now holding on to five points from their first three World Cup qualifying games.
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