What They're Saying about Ricardo Pepi's Brace for the USMNT

Digital Content Manager

Garrett Melcer

FRISCO, Texas - Homegrown forward Ricardo Pepi scored both goals in the US's 2-0 victory over Jamaica in its fourth World Cup qualifier on Thursday, Oct. 7. The brace brings Pepi's tally to three goals plus two assists from his first two senior international caps.

Pepi's emergence as the USMNT's starting striker has plenty of people talking. Let's take a look at what they're saying about the 18-year-old phenom.

Finding a truly dangerous center forward has been the USMNT's quest for, what, 30 years now?
— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) October 8, 2021

Never played against him but I’d bet money he’d score a brace against me too. This kid is fierce 🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/AMi6CIUn8j
— Nick Rimando (@NickRimando) October 8, 2021

World Cup Qualifiers, Oct. 7, 2021- USA vs. Jamaica

Oct 7, 2021; Austin, Texas, USA; United States forward Ricardo Pepi (16) watches his goal past Jamaica defender Damion Lowe (left) during the second half of a FIFA World Cup Qualifier at Q2 Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Burton-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 7, 2021; Austin, Texas, USA; United States forward Ricardo Pepi (16) scores a goal past Jamaica goalkeeper Andre Blake (1) during the second half of a FIFA World Cup Qualifier at Q2 Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Burton-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 7, 2021; Austin, Texas, USA; United States forward Ricardo Pepi (16) celebrates his goal against Jamaica with teammates Paul Arriola (7) and Antonee Robinson (5) during the second half of a FIFA World Cup Qualifier at Q2 Stadium.

Oct 7, 2021; Austin, Texas, USA; United States forward Ricardo Pepi (16) celebrates his goal past Jamaica goalkeeper Andre Blake (1) during the second half of a FIFA World Cup Qualifier at Q2 Stadium.

Oct 7, 2021; Austin, Texas, USA; United States forward Ricardo Pepi (16) celebrates his goal against Jamaica during the second half of a FIFA World Cup Qualifier at Q2 Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Burton-USA TODAY Sports

Agreed to an extent - but no need to pump the breaks -let’s hit the accelerator and see what he can do in Panama - the kids good https://t.co/GLkbt4C1fM
— Eric Wynalda (@EricWynalda) October 8, 2021

18-year-old Ricardo Pepi balled OUT tonight scoring two goals 👏

Have the USMNT found their new No. 9? pic.twitter.com/ktBPmdU66U
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 8, 2021

Congratulations @Ricardo_Pepi9 on being selected as today’s Insiders Man of the Match 👏 pic.twitter.com/uS8E1LmLjS
— U.S. Soccer MNT (@USMNT) October 8, 2021

The youngest players to record a brace in @USMNT history:

Christian Pulisic
Ricardo Pepi pic.twitter.com/MdIZMRzzfn
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) October 8, 2021

Two USMNT games for @Ricardo_Pepi9:

■ Two winners
■ Two Man of the Match awards
■ Three goals

18 years old 👏 pic.twitter.com/ljsZpi70Po
— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 8, 2021

Ricardo Pepi. *send tweet* pic.twitter.com/Qgoeomocj9
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 8, 2021

What an amazing kid. Pepi is amazing.
— Bob Sturm (@SportsSturm) October 8, 2021

What you know about them Texas boys 1-0 🇺🇸
— Clint Dempsey (@clint_dempsey) October 8, 2021

At this rate, if Pepi plays 100 times for the United States, he'll score 100 goals. It's science.
— Jeff Rueter (@jeffrueter) October 8, 2021

RICARDO PEPI IS THE GREATEST STRIKER IN THE WORLD
— Stars and Stripes FC (@StarsStripesFC) October 8, 2021

Most World Cup qualifying goals for the #USMNT before turning 19:

5 🇺🇸 Christian Pulisic
3 🇺🇸 Ricardo Pepi
1 🇺🇸 Jozy Altidore

Pepi has four more qualifiers before he turns 19.
— Paul Carr (@PaulCarr) October 8, 2021

It's Ricardo Pepi's world and we're just living in it!
— Jimmy Conrad (@JimmyConrad) October 8, 2021

PEPI IS A BEAST USA IS A ELITE SOCCER COUNTRY
— PFT Commenter (@PFTCommenter) October 8, 2021

I think Ricardo Pepi is going to become extremely and widely popular
— chris russell (@watke_) October 8, 2021

18-Year Old Ricardo Pepi delivered twice under the weight of expectation, fully aware scouts from European powerhouses Ajax and Bayern were watching. Incredible mentality from a kid who is exactly the kind of Mexican-American face US Soccer has long cried out for 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/DWZSyx0hUW
— roger bennett (@rogbennett) October 8, 2021

What’s not to love? He does the most difficult thing in the game, and this #USMNT is desperate for someone who does. So until he stops doing it, ride the train. https://t.co/WtW4N2XEFw
— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) October 8, 2021

Great result from @USMNT to start the week. Excellent goals by @Ricardo_Pepi9 and happy to see @WMckennie back to help his team win. Huge game on Wednesday in Panama, let’s go 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
— Landon Donovan (@landondonovan) October 8, 2021

A friend sends along this video of Ricardo Pepi greeting his family after his double for the #USMNT at Q2 Stadium. pic.twitter.com/yywglssVPB
— Jon Arnold, the WCQ enjoyer (@ArnoldcommaJon) October 8, 2021

Garrett Melcer -

Digital Content Manager @GarrettMelcer

2021 Season Ricardo Pepi World Cup

What They're Saying about Ricardo Pepi's Brace for the USMNT

Related Stories