Ricardo Pepi, a second-half substitute, wasted no time making an impact as he scored the game-winning goal in the United States 1-0 triumph over El Salvador in the CONCACAF Nations League on Monday.
The Netherlands-based forward, who netted twice in the US’s 7-1 rout of Grenada on Friday, entered the game in the 60th minute at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida. He quickly seized the opportunity as Weston McKennie’s well-timed through pass found him in the box. In the 62nd minute, Pepi evaded defender Roberto Dominguez and chipped a shot over Salvadoran goalkeeper Mario Gonzalez.
The defending champions needed only a draw against El Salvador to secure a spot in the Nations League’s final four in June. Still, Pepi emphasized the importance of winning at home. The 20-year-old has returned to the national team after missing out on the US World Cup squad last year.
The US struggled to break through El Salvador’s staunch defense in the first half. However, the hosts stepped up their offensive in the second half, with Gio Reyna hitting the post in the 46th minute and Tim Ream narrowly missing a volley. Pepi had another chance to extend the lead in the 79th minute but shot wide of Gonzalez’s far post.
This game marked the US’s second competitive match under interim coach Anthony Hudson. The US seeks to retain the Nations League title they won in 2021, with Mexico also securing a place in the final four by topping Group A.
