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'Trying to get him confidence' - Berhalter explains Pepi's USMNT inclusion for key friendlies before World Cup

Gregg Berhalter explained the decision to call in Ricardo Pepi to the latest U.S. men's national team squad.

Pepi among three forwards called in
Former FC Dallas star hasn't scored in 11 months
Pefok and Wright among snubs

WHAT HAPPENED? Pepi was joined by Josh Sargent and Jesus Ferreira in the latest squad, with Jordan Pefok and Haji Wright among those left out of the final friendlies before the World Cup.

WHAT THEY SAID: "Keep in mind this is a guy that scored three goals for us in World Cup qualifying and has had a tough time since then," Berhalter said. "We're trying to get him confidence. We're trying to get him into the group and see if he can make a push for the final roster. That's TBD right now."

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Pepi hasn't scored since October 2021, with his move to Augsburg in January proving, at least initially, to be a nightmare for the former FC Dallas forward. He has gotten off to a bright start on loan at Groningen, though, as Pepi provided an assist in his first appearance.

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