USA books CONCACAF Nations League semifinal thanks to Ricardo Pepi in 1-0 win over El Salvador
USA book their spot in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinal thanks to Super Sub Ricardo Pepi, who puts his World Cup snub behind him to seal a 1-0 win over El Salvador
Ricardo Pepi continued his rich streak of form, scoring a delightful game-winner for the United States against El Salvador in their 1-0 win.
The 1-0 win clinched the USMNT’s ticket to the CONCAF Nations League semifinals in June.
Pepi gave the USA a tangible reward for an inspired second-half performance after a grim first 45 minutes.
The Groningen striker, who scored twice in a 7-1 win over Grenada on Friday, came on in the 60th minute and put the US ahead two minutes later.
With Pepi’s six goals in 14 international matches, only Christian Pulisic (18 years, 263 days) and Jozy Altidore (19 years, 146 days) scored six USMNT goals at a younger age than Pepi (20 years, 77 days). ).
United States booked its ticket to the CONCACAF Nations League semifinal with a 1-0 victory
Leeds midfielder Weston McKennie provided the assist for the USA’s only goal of the game.
Pepi was denied another goal when Mario González made a point-blank save in the 85th minute.
The Americans finished on top of the League A, Group D standings (3-0-1, 10 points) ahead of El Salvador (1-1-2, 5 points). By finishing in the top two of the group, each qualified for the CONCACAF Gold Cup this summer.
The USMNT will defend its Nations League championship from the inaugural tournament in 2021 when it plays a semifinal on June 15 in Las Vegas and the final three days later.
After the victory against Grenada, the USA needed only a draw to reach the semifinals.
El Salvador had to win and came out on a burst and almost took the lead in the second minute when Jairo Henríquez fired a shot that went just outside the right post.
The USA, with eight roster changes since Friday, had 58 percent possession in the first half but was sloppy in the final third.
The second half began more determined and Gio Reyna sent a shot to the left post in the first minute.
The 22-game unbeaten streak (17 wins, 5 draws) against El Salvador since 1992 is the USA’s longest against any team, surpassing the 21-game streak against Guatemala between 1988 and 2015.
The United States is 20-1-7 all-time against El Salvador, including 17-0-2 in home games with 16 straight wins.
USA was not at its best in the first half, but responded strongly in the second 45
The United States Men’s National Team finally broke through, thanks to Ricardo Pepi
Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic closed in on the goalscorer, who now has two in his last three
Relive all the action from USMNT’s 1-0 victory over El Salvador to seal their place in the CONCACAF Nations League semi-final with DailyMail.com’s live blog below…