The United States will be aiming to extend their reign as CONCACAF Nations League champions, when they face fellow finalists Canada in a first-ever title-crowning game between these two North American neighbors.
The USMNT sank Mexico 3-0 in the CONCACAF Nations League Semi-Finals, under interim coach BJ Callaghan’s first game on the gig – a rivalry match packed with goals, plotlines, action, and, most importantly, utter mayhem. We take a closer look at how it all went down, the context of some of the key plays within the flow of the game, and what it means for the team going forward.
The United States men’s national team continued their dominance over regional rivals Mexico with a comfortable win in their Concacaf Nations League semifinal encounter in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Thursday night which was marred by four red cards and discriminatory chants.
Ricardo Pepi was held goalless in his final game with Groningen, while Djordje Mihailovic and AZ Alkmaar were unable to claim their golden chance to jump into the Eredivisie top three.
Taylor Booth’s assist was not enough to keep Utrecht from falling against a far superior Ajax side, Kik Pierie’s first goal for Excelsior ensured that they are free from any relegation danger, while Ricardo Pepi and Groningen allowed six goals for the third time this season.
Ricardo Pepi once again saw the Groningen fans force the suspension of a game for the relegated team, while Gedion Zelalem returned to the Den Bosch starting lineup in their home draw.
The final 21-man roster for the upcoming U-20 World Cup in Argentina was announced by US Soccer, balancing an experience-heavy group of players while still missing several key contributors for various reasons.
Ricardo Pepi finally saw one of his goals help Groningen earn points, although a draw did little to stop the team’s spiral towards relegation, while Anthony Fontana finally earned a start for promoted Zwolle, albeit in a losing performance.
Ricardo Pepi has expressed his desire to not return to German Bundesliga side FC Augsburg, but according to the team’s managing director of sport Stefan Reuter, no decision has been made on the future of the forward.
Ricardo Pepi’s impressive strike for Groningen was for naught as they lost yet again, while Taylor Booth and Utrecht had their dominant performance ruined by three disallowed goals.