AUSTIN (Texas) -- On Thursday night's 2-0 win over Jamaica, Ricardo Pepi, striker, looked towards the sideline to see his number on the substitution boards. He calmly trotted towards the bench after his night was over and the Q2 Stadium fans rose to their feet.
Some cheered loudly, while others sang his name.
"Pepi, Pepi, Pepi,"
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The moment may have seemed incredible two months ago, but for Pepi it was still surreal. Pepi was able to score two goals in the second half to give the United States an impressive lead in a crucial World Cup qualifying match.
Pepi, a native of El Paso who pledged to the U.S. in August over Mexico, said that "it's a special experience being able to just score in Texas." "Not only here in Texas but in front our fans. It's an incredible feeling.
Pepi, 18 years old was the youngest USMNT player to score in back to back games. He also became the second youngest player -- after Christian Pulisic -- who has scored in a multi-goal game during a World Cup qualifier.
His performance against Honduras in the second period saved the United States from two draws in the opening round of the qualifying campaign. Austin's performance also ensured that the opportunities will continue to come. Although the sample is not large enough to warn against overreaction, Pepi's rise has been the most evident the team has seen in the position for years.
Berhalter stated, "We are all excited." "For us, it's just sitting there. We're on the train. He is an 18-year old who seizes every opportunity and takes advantage of it. You can see, and I think that's what I like about him. He has an instinct that is hard to teach to other players.
Pepi's 49th minute goal was the perfect example of why U.S. soccer is so optimistic. Sergino Dest, a 20-year old Barcelona right-back, passed the ball centrally to Yunus Musah (18-year-old Valencia) just above the midfield line. As he approached the penalty box, Dest passed the ball back to him. His cross reached Pepi, who put the U.S. ahead.
After scoring against Jamaica in World Cup qualifying, U.S. players celebrated their goal. Getty Images
Thirteen minutes later, Fulham's 24-year-old forward Antonee Robinson was replaced by Brenden Aaronson, a 20-year old FC Salzburg forward. Brenden played an excellent ball to Pepi. After losing his man, the FC Dallas striker calmly ended, sending the stadium into chaos.
Aaronson stated, "I think he has really grown into a striker that's just so deadly inside the box." He's a person that's always there. It's an amazing experience to play with a striker such as him, especially for a winger or midfielder like me.
The U.S. starting team XI was second in age (average age 23-years, 111 day), and behind only Berhalter's lineup the last time.
Musah was another player to stand out. He made a positive impression during his first World Cup qualifier. His availability was in doubt until Wednesday's COVID-19 test, which came back inconclusive. Berhalter gave the all clear at the team dinner the night after. Musah is a Valencia winger, but is more comfortable playing centrally. This is where he was deployed against Jamaica in a three-man midfield that included Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie. His ability to move the ball on the dribble has been a key attribute of the team and he will continue to play a significant role in qualification.
The U.S. expected Jamaica to finish last in the qualifying standings. However, there was still an overwhelming satisfaction with how the team performed.
Even without stars forwards Giovanni Reyna or Pulisic, who are both injured, the United States dominated Thursday's game.
Pepi played Paul Arriola in the back, but he was eventually pushed down by Kemar Lawrence 12 yards from the penalty box. Arriola was alone in front of the goal. There were shouts for a red, but after consulting with the linesman, Reon Radix from Grenada, who was doing his first World Cup qualifier, gave Lawrence yellow.
Radix was forced to make a difficult decision when Aaronson, who was being tackled from behind by Damion Lowere, was inches outside of the box and scored. Radix made a strange decision. He again showed yellow, although Lowe seemed to have the ball.
The U.S. was unable to use either resulting free kick. This raises questions about why CONCACAF has not made the required investment in the region to ensure VAR is possible in qualifying. The Federation says VAR wouldn't be an issue at any US venue, but that infrastructure is lacking in certain member countries makes it difficult.
Wednesday saw McKennie's return in the lineup. While he wasn't a standout, Berhalter was pleased with what he described as a "professional job." His reintegration in the squad was a significant hurdle after he was sent back to Juventus for violating COVID-19 protocols.
The United States and El Tri are tied at the top of the qualifying standings after Mexico's draw with Canada. Both teams have eight points from four games. The Americans will play in Panama on Sunday before returning to Ohio to finish the game against Costa Rica in Columbus.
