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
RICARDO PEPI BEAUTIFUL GOAL TO OPEN THE SCORING FOR PSV pic.twitter.com/bvwemY3F1E
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) October 26, 2024
PSV dominated the game against PEC Zwolle who sit 16th in the league.
Pepi struck again in the 58th minute with a powerful strike into the bottom corner. This marked the second time Pepi has scored a brace this season. The last time was his one other start in the league on Sept. 28.
RICARDO PEPI BRACE pic.twitter.com/rk70HUmxTA
— USMNT Nation (@USMNTvsHaters) October 26, 2024
Pepi’s third “goal” came in the 71st minute. Unfortunately for Pepi he won’t get credit for the goal because the ball bounced off the goalkeeper and into the goal for an own goal.
RICARDO PEPI HAS A HAT TRICK FOR PSV!!!! pic.twitter.com/ukpZkV7Eed
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) October 26, 2024
That’s a hat trick in our eyes, Pepi.
Pepi wasn’t the only USMNT player to score as Malik Tillman netted a goal in the 50th minute.
Malik Tillman with the header to make it 3-0 PSV!
pic.twitter.com/suOIPwrD1d— USMNT Otaku (@USMNTOtaku) October 26, 2024
