USA Today via Reuters
Oct 13, 2021; Columbus, Ohio, USA; the United States forward Ricardo Pepi (16) controls the ball while Costa Rica midfielder Yeltsin Tejeda (17) defends during a FIFA World Cup Qualifier soccer match at Lower.com Field. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 13, 2021; Columbus, Ohio, USA; the United States forward Ricardo Pepi (16) controls the ball while Costa Rica midfielder Yeltsin Tejeda (17) defends during a FIFA World Cup Qualifier soccer match at Lower.com Field. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
As the USMNT prepares to face Mexico tomorrow, one player in team USA is grabbing the headlines. A star to look out for, Ricardo Pepi burst onto the scene after choosing to play for the United States of America instead of Mexico.
He was born in El Paso, Texas, and his performances during the first two qualification games garnered attention from all around. In addition, Nike now honored the forward, gifting him a pair of sneakers ahead of the match.
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Ricardo Pepi gets Nike sneakers
With an important game in sight, the USMNT would hope to defeat Mexico and solidify its position at the top. Moreover, Nike’s recent gesture ahead of the important clash has Pepi’s name on everyone’s lips. The company gave him maroon sneakers with double-colored lace and two of their signature Nike tick-mark logos on the shoe.
USMNT showcased the player’s sneakers by posting a picture of Pepi with his new shoes on Twitter.
GOT 'EM.
Fresh kicks for @Ricardo_Pepi9 and @tyler_adams14 ahead of #USAvMEX, courtesy of @Nike. pic.twitter.com/E7EDYzdMVM
— U.S. Soccer MNT (@USMNT) November 12, 2021
They will face Mexico in a penultimate match as the outcome would change the tables altogether. With Pulisic, Reyna, and other notable players in the squad, team USA’s chances look good. However, the primary focus would be Pepi, who chose to play for the USA instead of Mexico.
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Want to play for the USA
The talented 18-year-old forward wants to be the best player in the world and undoubtedly, he has the ability to be so. The forward spoke about the joy he experiences in playing for the USA and how excited he is for the match against Mexico.
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“It’s going to be a special feeling. Having my family in the stands having me with the U.S. jersey on — I feel like I’m going to get some goosebumps for sure. It’s going to be that feeling where I’m going to be very motivated for the game, and I’m going to be prepared for it,” said Pepi.
“It’s the best decision I’ve made.”
— @Ricardo_Pepi9 on choosing #USMNT 🇺🇸#USAvMEX x @allstate pic.twitter.com/KeWKBngGZQ— U.S. Soccer MNT (@USMNT) November 10, 2021
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The US forward scored a goal on his debut against Honduras, while he scored two goals against Jamaica in their second qualifying match. Hence, the game against Mexico will be a sterner test with Pepi hoping to score against Mexico. Undoubtedly, it would truly be a special moment.
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