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<ul><li>Pepi scores brace for PSV in preseason match</li><li>Striker returned from injury with statement </li><li>Forward touted for big season in Netherlands</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

WATCH: USMNT striker Ricardo Pepi scores brace for PSV in preseason friendly vs FC Eindhoven

<p>U.S. men's national team forward Ricardo Pepi returned to the scoresheet for PSV on Wednesday in a preseason friendly against FC Eindhoven, scoring a first-half brace in their 3-2 victory.</p><p>Former New England Revolution winger Esmir Bajraktarevic played a role in both goals, creating the opportunity for each that saw Pepi find the back of the net from close range each time.</p><p>For Pepi, it was his <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/usmnt-sergino-dest-psv-ricardo-pepi/blt4a5263279abc9972" target="_self">second appearance this preseason</a>, and his first start since suffering an injury in a Champions League match against Liverpool in January that sidelined him for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign.</p><p>Fellow American Sergino Dest was not named to the teamsheet for the contest on Wednesday. He suffered a minor setback in preseason, but is expected to be fit for the start of the Eredivisie campaign.</p><p></p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS

<p>Pepi is set to play an integral role for both club and country this upcoming campaign, as PSV look to win their third-straight Eredivise title, and the U.S. men's national team looks to find a spell of form under Mauricio Pochettino.</p><p>The U.S. has just 10 matches left across five FIFA international windows until the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and after falling short in the CONCACAF Nations League and the Gold Cup in recent months, they'll look to put in some positive showings.</p><p>Pepi, meanwhile, will look to play his first minutes for the USMNT this September since November 2024, when he scored twice across two matches against Jamaica in the Nations League quarterfinals.</p><p>To date, Pepi has 33 caps and has scored 13 goals, and has recorded three assists.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>This offseason, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/usmnt-star-ricardo-pepi-awarded-historic-no-9-shirt-at-psv-eindhoven-for-2025-26-season/blt5483096c401f7c27" target="_self">PSV awarded Pepi the historic No. 9 jersey at the club</a>, a shirt previously worn by the likes of Romario, Ronaldo Nazario, and Dutch legend Patrick Kluivert. </p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>PSV return to competitive play on Sunday, Aug. 3, when they take on Go Ahead Eagles in the Eredivisie Super Cup. Pepi will look to make his 2025-26 season debut in the match.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR PEPI?

WATCH: USMNT striker Ricardo Pepi scores brace for PSV in preseason friendly vs FC Eindhoven | Goal.com

The 22-year-old missed nearly the entire second half of the 2024-25 campaign, but returned Wednesday wearing his shooting boots