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Pepe's stunning USMNT debut in crucial World Cup qualification win vs. Honduras eases pressure on coach Berhalter

The pitchforks were nearly out. Coming off two disappointing draws to open their FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, the United States men's national team went into half-time trailing 1-0 to Honduras in San Pedro Sula on Wednesday night. It was a disjointed, uninspired performance that called into question head coach Gregg Berhalter's tactical acumen and the players' collective desire. Had the result held, Berhalter's job status -- fair or not -- would have been up for debate.

After missing out on the last World Cup, the panic button for the American soccer community at large is kept within arm's reach.