US striker Ricardo Pepi scored his first goal for Groningen on Saturday, ahead of important World Cup warm-up matches for the USMNT striker.
The 19-year-old El Paso native sent a perfectly placed header from a cross into the box. Despite the goal, Groningen lost the match to Sparta Rotterdam 2–1. Although USMNT fans probably don’t care about the final score.
Pepi’s goal was his first competitive goal in nearly a year. His last goal was actually for the USMNT in a World Cup qualifier against Jamaica early last October. He scored twice on that particular night.
Ricardo Pepi scores the first goal: Confidence boost
While he managed to start his national team career on the right foot, scoring three times in his first two USMNT games, Pepi has struggled in club competitions. FC Augsburg parted ways with Pepi from his childhood team, FC Dallas, in January of this year. The deal cost the German club $18 million. Pepi, however, failed to score a single goal in the remainder of the 2021/22 campaign.
The Train is officially back on track ????
Proud of one of us, Ricardo Pepi, for scoring his first goal for FC Groningen. pic.twitter.com/jyTxoHRZlp
— FC Dallas (@FCDallas) September 17, 2022
After making five goalless appearances for Augsburg this season, Groningen have reached an agreement with Augsburg to loan the American out for the rest of the season. Pepi has already played two games for the Eredivisie side and also registered an assist in his first game.
Saturday’s goal will be seen as a celebration after his recent re-entry into the USMNT. Pepi was summoned this Wednesday to the national team for the first time since March. His inclusion in the squad for the upcoming friendlies was a bit of a surprise given his recent struggles with goals. However, it seems that manager Gregg Berhalter may have brought Pepi in at the perfect time.
USMNT fans are hoping this goal will help boost Pepi’s confidence as we head into the World Cup. The centre-forward position isn’t exactly the team’s strong point and a productive Pepi could be absolutely massive in the World Cup.
The USMNT schedule has them playing Japan on September 23 and then facing Saudi Arabia four days later.
Photo: IMAGO / Pro Shots
