Ricardo Pepi "ready to be the man" in latest USMNT No. 9 opportunity
Yesterday at 07:04 PM
Ricardo Pepi’s impressive start to PSV’s 2024-25 season paired with the absences of Folarin Balogun, Haji Wright, and Josh Sargent provides the forward with a major opportunity to grab the U.S. men’s national team’s No. 9 job long-term.
Pepi enters his latest camp as the likely candidate to start in Mauricio Pochettino’s starting lineup as the USMNT hosts Jamaica in the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals. The 22-year-old has scored six goals in 15 first team appearances this season, which is a major step forward in comparison to his first fall in Eindhoven in 2023.
After having to wait for his opportunities at club level, Pepi is ready to shine as the USMNT seeks advancement into next Spring’s semifinal round.
“I’m at a point in my career right now where I’m ready,” Pepi told reporters Tuesday. “I’m ready to start, to get more playing time. I feel like I’ve been showing that, whether with my club or national team. That’s just how I’m feeling. I’m feeling ready to be the man, to be the starter. I feel like I’ve been proving that. I’ll continue with the same mentality and continue to take advantage of my opportunities.
“To be honest, it has been a long year and a half of being patient on the bench, waiting to play 10-15 minutes every weekend,” Pepi added. “It got a little frustrating, but at the same time, I know that I have to be patient with the process.”
Pepi has scored 11 goals in 31 career USMNT caps, mainly serving as a substitute for most of 2024. He scored the second goal in the USMNT’s 2-0 friendly win over Panama last month, which handed Pochettino his first victory as manager.
However, despite Pepi’s experience in the squad, others have forced their way into the picture in recent years. Pochettino has opened the door for many players at all positions ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but Pepi has the backing of his teammates ahead of Thursday’s crucial first leg in Kingston.
“The things that he’s gone through as a professional have been very challenging and for him to have the mentality that he still has..It’s easy to just be like, ‘The cards are stacked against me and I’m going to shy away from it because it’s just not happening for me’,” USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner said of Pepi. “But no, he’s continued to knock down barriers, knock down the door, score a Champions League goal, if I’m not mistaken, and things like that. He’s grown a lot, and he’s a really crucial player to our national team.”
The USMNT’s No. 9 position has been one up for grabs in recent years, dating back to Jozy Altidore’s departure from international soccer. From Pepi to Sargent, to other players like Daryl Dike and Jordan Pefok, many have had their chance to make the No. 9 job theirs for years to come.
Pepi might not be the USMNT’s starting No. 9 in 2026, or even in 2025, but a positive November window could be what helps turns those aspirations into reality.
"It's true these types of injuries have opened opportunities for other players to get more minutes," Pochettino said Sunday. "It's a great opportunity for him to get the opportunity to play and show his talent. Of course, we're disappointed with Haji, Sargent and Balogun injured and can't be in the squad, but it's a chance for him and Brandon Vazquez to fight for their spot on their team."
“Pepi is a fantastic player, but it’s more about potential,” Pochettino added. “Now is a great opportunity for him to trust and show the possibility to play and show his talent. We are going to be very, very, very tough with him to try to make him to learn quick, and realize the thing that [he] needs to prove in other areas.”
