American Soccer’s Golden Generation: The Rise of Ricardo Pepi
Over the last decade the popularity of soccer in the United States has resulted in a higher level of youth development resulting in other countries showing more repect to the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) and its youth setup.
Ricardo Pepi is an exciting forward/winger for the USMNT who had the unique opportunity to play for two different countries, the United States or bitter rivals Mexico. At the time it was made Pepi’s decision to snub Mexico and play for the United States was a pivotal turn in the rivalry between Mexico and the USMNT. Pepi believed that his heart was with the USMNT and that he had the opportunity to play right away under coach Greg Berhalter.
Pepi grew up in El Paso, Texas in a community in which majority of the population was latino, mainly of Mexican descent. After playing in the local leagues surrounding El Paso growing up, Pepi was scouted by MLS side FC Dallas and invited to play for their academy at the age of 13.
By the age of 16 Pepi had emerged as a burgeoning talent and started for North Texas SC who is an affiliate of FC Dallas. In his lone season with North Texas SC Pepi was able to score nine goals in 13 appearances with the club. He was nominated for USL Young Player of the year as well in his lone season in the USL.
After a successful season in the USL FC Dallas knew it was time to integrate Pepi into the first team which resulted in Pepi scoring 15 goals in 55 league games over the two seasons he was with the club.
After a good spell of form Pepi earned a transfer to FC Augsburg of the German Bundesliga, but struggled heavily to adapt to the style of play in Germany and was forced to go out on loan to FC Groningen of the Dutch Eredivise League. Pepi reignited his career at Groningen by scoring 12 goals in 29 appearances with the club. The next season Pepi was able to earn a tranfer to PSV Eindenhoven of the Dutch Eredivise League who were playing Champions League Football the next season. So far Pepi has scored seven goals in 23 games with the Dutch side.
For the USMNT Pepi is utilized by Greg Berhalter as winger and centre-forward. In his three seasons with the USMNT Pepi has scored 10 goals for the red, white, and blue. Pepi has the innate ability to take players on and is a poacher in front of goal.
In his three years with the USMNT Pepi has won the CONCACAF Nations League twice (2022/2023 and 2023/2024). In addition to this Pepi has won the USL League regular season and playoff championship with North Texas SC. Pepi’s most recent trophy is the 2024 Dutch Super Cup which he won with PSV Eindenhoven.
Pepi has helped change the perception of American soccer for many dual nationals in the United States who have the opportunity to represent two different countries. By choosing the USMNT over Mexico he has shown how far the United States has come in the world of soccer.
Pepi is a shoe in for the next World Cup and will hopefully help the USMNT lift the World Cup trophy in New Jersey in the summer of 2026.
If you enjoyed reading this weeks blog about the USMNT’s flashy forward Ricardo Pepi then tune in next week to read about the USMNT’s flipping wonder Antonee Robinson.
Sources
https://www.transfermarkt.us/ricardo-pepi/profil/spieler/627207
