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.
Malik Tillman sneaks one in at the near post direct from the free kick! pic.twitter.com/FVndRQWLBi
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 27, 2024
What came next might be the best goal of Tillman’s young career as the USMNT midfielder lined up a shot from nearly 30 yards away. His strike was sublime.
Amazing Malik Tillman goal vs Shakhtar
MALIK TILLMAN GOLAZO ALERT!
He becomes the first U.S. player to score twice in a #UCL match! pic.twitter.com/V9hznfzv66— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 27, 2024
Tillman now matches Christian Pulisic with three goals in this season’s Champions League campaign.
PSV had one final trick up their sleeve with the most prolific threat off the bench in the entire sport. While USMNT striker Pepi has gone on record to say that he hates being called “a super sub,” he once again lived up to the reputation.
Pepi was brought on at the start of the second half and finished off the miraculous PSV comeback victory with the game-winner in the 95th minute.
RICARDO PEPI TO THE RESCUE FOR PSV!!
EL Tren’s hot streak continues! pic.twitter.com/FypgbeKOHU— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 27, 2024
Three goals in eight minutes. What a result for PSV.
Pepi has only started four games this season across all competitions but has still managed to find the back of the net 10 TIMES in 18 appearances.
It’s only a matter of time before Pepi either wins the starting striker job over 34-year-old Luuk de Jong or gets picked up by another club. The American striker is in red-hot form.
Wednesday’s 3-2 win sees PSV record an important three points to stay in the hunt for the Champions League playoffs. PSV sit 18th in the table with eight points from five games. Teams nine thru 24 will advance to the playoffs.
