The 18-year-old has moved closer to making a national team commitment with this choice
Ricardo Pepi has been called up for the U.S. men's national team in upcoming World Cup qualifiers next month, moving a step closer to committing full-time to the Stars and Stripes despite overtures from Mexico.
The 18-year-old FC Dallas forward converted the winning shootout kick in the MLS All-Star Game on Wednesday as his rise to stardom continues, and his finishing ability could prove to be a huge long-term boost for the USMNT.
Pepi is a dual-national with youth experience in both USMNT and El Tri camps, and according to FIFA regulations, players can change allegiances before the age of 21 if they have played three or fewer competitive matches at the senior level.