USMNT
Ricardo Pepi continues goalless drought with club and country
The 19-year-old striker made his sixth appearance for Augsburg since joining the club in January and he is struggling to find the back of the net.
Ricardo Pepi has a bright future ahead of him and he decided to leave MLS side FC Dallas to move to Germany to play with Augsburg FC. The United States international knew the risk of joining the Bavarian club because they have been battling relegation this season.
Pepi knew of the challenge ahead, but he believed he could help Augsburg win games and keep them in Germany’s top-flight for the next campaign. The 19-year-old made his third start of the season in the 1-1 draw against Borussia Dortmund on Sunday and he was replaced in the 59th minute.
Pepi’s last goal was in October
But the reality is that the 19-year-old has struggled to find the back of the net in his first six Bundesliga appearances and his last goal dates back to 7 October of 2021. Pepi was on duty with the United States men’s national team for the World Cup qualifying tournament and scored a brace in the 2-0 win against Jamaica.
Pepi has now extended his goalless drought to 17 games with club and country. There is some weight on his shoulders because the USMNT striker became the second most expensive transfer in MLS history and he is considered to be the brightest prospect in the United States.
The United States international will keep getting opportunities with Augsburg because the club has full faith that he can turn things around. The next league match will be on 4 March against Arminia at Bielefelder Alm stadium. Augsburg desperately need the three points because they sit in 15th place in the Bundesliga standings and they are tied in points (23) with Hertha Berlin, who currently are in relegation.