Pepi, Weah among winners of USMNT's Nations League window

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The U.S. men’s national team took another major step towards repeating as CONCACAF Nations League winners on Monday after eliminating Jamaica in the quarterfinal round.

Mauricio Pochettino’s squad claimed a 1-0 first leg victory in Kingston last Thursday before closing out the two-legged affair with a 4-2 second leg triumph in St. Louis on Monday. Despite missing several players due to injuries, the USMNT showed positive signs under Pochettino.

There were a few bright spots this month, with Ricardo Pepi and Mark McKenzie among the impressive performers over the two legs.

Here is a look at the USMNT players who boosted their stock the most in November’s window:

Winners

Ricardo Pepi

The absence of several USMNT forwards didn’t stop Ricardo Pepi from boosting his stock in the No. 9 race.

Pepi scored twice over the two legs, continuing a positive fall for the PSV forward. After coming into camp on a good run of form, the former FC Dallas academy product scored the winner in the first leg before adding to his tally in Monday’s second leg victory.

Pepi will certainly have a leg up on Folarin Balogun, Josh Sargent, and others heading into 2025. The most important thing for Pepi going forward is, to avoid ending up on the sidelines over the next few months.

Mark McKenzie

The USMNT’s ever-changing centerback duo saw Mark McKenzie make the most of his opportunities this month.

McKenzie started in both legs against Jamaica, working with veteran Tim Ream. The 25-year-old barely put a foot wrong over the 180+ minutes, doing well in possession, and spreading the ball around to his teammates.

McKenzie’s move to Toulouse last summer has certainly given him a confidence boost this fall.

Tim Weah

Tim Weah only played 78 minutes this window due to suspension, but made up for lost time with an impactful second leg performance.

Weah scored the USMNT’s fourth goal in Monday’s win, continuing what has been a blistering run of form for club and country. The 24-year-old entered camp with goals in three of his last five appearances for Juventus, helping the Turin-based club stay in the Serie A’s top-six.

He easily could’ve left CITYPARK with a few goals on Monday night, which is something Weah will aim to fix going forward.

Yunus Musah

Consistent playing time hasn’t come easy at AC Milan for Yunus Musah, but Mauricio Pochettino hasn’t let that affect the midfielder’s role for the USMNT.

Musah started in both matches against Jamaica, featuring as a right midfielder instead of his previously more-central role. Musah registered one assist on Monday night, finding Tim Weah for the USMNT’s fourth and final goal of the match.

In addition to his final-third decision making, Musah’s defensive work rate remained very high, tracking back to win possession and start new attacking chances for the team.

This new role for Musah has definitely added some excitement into the squad going into 2025.

Which players impressed you the most in November’s pair of matches? Who disappointed? Do you hope this quartet remains in Pochettino’s XI long-term?

Share your thoughts below.