PSV

MLS is the real deal, folks.

Major League Soccer has solidified its position among the world’s top-tier soccer leagues, now ranked as the ninth-best league globally, according to Opta Analyst.

MLS ranked as ninth-best league in the world, over EFL Championship and Eredivisie

This milestone places MLS above renowned leagues like the English Championship and the Dutch Eredivisie — two leagues in Europe with long histories of having top soccer talents.

The Champions League last-16 draw threw up some mouth-watering matches with holders Real Madrid playing local rivals Atletico Madrid while Bayern Munich were drawn against Bundesliga title challengers Bayer Leverkusen on Friday.

Champions League draw bracket

Welcome to this week’s edition of USMNT Abroad, where we bring you the latest updates on American soccer players making waves across Europe. 

From standout performances to key transfers, rumors and injury reports, The18 has got you covered with all the action involving U.S. men’s national team players in Europe’s top leagues. 

C’mon, you yanks!

USMNT Abroad this weekend: The latest on American players in Europe

Antonee Robinson (Fulham)

United States men’s national team fans received devastating news on Thursday as Dutch outlet Eindhovens Dagblad reported that star U.S. and PSV striker Ricardo Pepi is out indefinitely with a knee injury.

El Tren just ran over Liverpool.

U.S. men's national team's Ricardo Pepi started for PSV Eindhoven in their final UEFA Champions League league phase bout against none other than tournament-leaders Liverpool, with the American striker coming up huge for the Dutch club with a crucial turnaround goal. 

The 22-year-old attacker found a perfect cross to first post, slightly deflecting the ball into the back of the net to make it 3-2 and seal the Eredivisie club's victory.

Ricardo Pepi goal vs. Liverpool

Welcome to this week’s edition of USMNT Abroad, where we bring you the latest updates on American soccer players making waves across Europe. 

From standout performances to key transfers, rumors and injury reports, The18 has got you covered with all the action involving U.S. men’s national team players in Europe’s top leagues. 

C’mon, you yanks!

USMNT Abroad this weekend: The latest on American players in Europe

Josh Sargent (Norwich City)

The New England Revolution said farewell to Esmir Bajraktarevic and signed fellow forward Luis Diaz on Thursday.

The Revs transferred Bajraktarevic, 19, to Dutch side PSV Eindhoven for an undisclosed fee after three MLS seasons. New England retained a percentage of the homegrown player's future sell-on rights.

Bajraktarevic appeared in 45 matches (28 starts) from 2022-24, contributing three goals and three assists.

This Thanksgiving PSV will be thankful for their American players as United States men’s national team stars Malik Tillman and Ricardo Pepi recorded three goals in eight minutes for a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory vs. Shakhtar Donetsk.

Tillman, who started the game, recorded a brace with goals in the 87th minute and 90th minute to bring PSV level. The 22-year-old’s first goal saw him sneak the ball across the line at the near post with goal-line technology helping determine the goal.

U.S. men’s national team forward, Ricardo Pepi, scored yet again for Eredivisie giant PSV Eindhoven, sealing a wonderful hat trick against Groningen on Saturday.

The American, who only tallies four starts for the Dutch club this season, scored his ninth goal of the season.

Ricardo Pepi scored twice and forced an own goal during a rare start for Eredivisie giants PSV on Saturday in a dominant 6-0 win. An incredible Pepi volley set the tone in the ninth minute as the USMNT striker had an acrobatic finish.

Pepi is typically PSV’s backup striker behind the veteran Luuk de Jong but was named in the starting XI for the second time in the league this season.

The 21-year-old sent a message with this spectacular finish.

Ricardo Pepi volley for PSV