Ricardo Pepi seals USMNT 1-0 win vs. El Salvador, sends Berhalter a message

Ricardo Pepi was inarguably the USMNT's most controversial non call-up when it came time to choose the 26-man roster for the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

Tonight, in Orlando's Exploria Stadium, he reminded us why. The FC Groningen forward was subbed on in the 61st minute, making such a direct impact that he scored what would ultimately be the game-winning goal just two minutes later.

Meanwhile, former coach Gregg Berhalter was certainly watching the game.

Pepi's beautiful counterattack goal to seal the win

The beautiful counterattack finish came from a Weston McKennie long ball, and squashed El Salvador's hopes of a historic upset.

The win was key for the US, with a much tougher matchup than its first 7-1 goal fest against Grenada on March 24th. In which Pepi, Brenden Aaronson, Weston McKinnie (2), Christian Pulisic and Alejandro Zendejas all scored.

Ricardo Pepi became the third-fastest USMNT player to score six goals behind Christian Pulisic (18 years, 263 days) and Jozy Altidore (19 years, 146 days).

The Americans join Diego Cocca's new Mexico side in the Nations League semifinals at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on June 15, part of a final four that will include Canada or Honduras along with Costa Rica or Panama.

Meanwhile, coach Hugo Pérez's El Salvador continue a dismal streak of four consecutive losses, and hasn't won in its last six.

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