USMNT forward Ricardo Pepi scored for PSV less than two minutes after entering the game, helping the Dutch side to a 2-0 win over Heerenveen.
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Pepi scores for PSVDefeat Heerenveen 2-0Second goal in eight daysWHAT HAPPENED?
Just over 60 seconds after being brought into the match, the USMNT star was set loose on a breakway, beating the goalkeeper in a 1v1 situation. The 20-year-old scored the game-winner in the UEFA Champions League last week against Sevilla, sending the Dutch side through to the knockout round, and followed it up again Thursday with another goal.
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Pepi isn't a starter at PSV – and for good reason. He's behind Dutch striker Luuk De Jong in the pecking order and likely won't jump ahead of him anytime soon, either. The PSV forward has 10 goals and six assists in 15 matches in the Eredivisie this season, with two more goals in the UCL to add to it. Pepi, despite his fine goalscoring form, is best served as a super sub for now, because of the fact that De Jong is in such incredible form.
For the USMNT, though, Pepi's excellence at PSV is also a shared moment – with international teammates Sergino Dest and Malik Tillman. The American trio are thriving in the Netherlands, which is brilliant news for Gregg Berhalter and co.
DID YOU KNOW
Pepi grew up in the FC Dallas academy system in MLS, before moving to the Bundesliga with Augsburg – and now, ending up in Holland with PSV.
Getty ImagesWHAT'S NEXT FOR PEPI
The USMNT star and PSV take on Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, but regardless of the outcome, Arsenal will take first in the group and the Dutch side will take second. Both are confirmed to advance to the next round of the tournament.