The United States men’s 1-0 victory earned them a spot in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals, despite the fact that they were always going to face difficult challenge against a well-coached El Salvador team.
Ricardo Pepi scored the game’s only goal after coming off the bench at the hour mark. It took him just two minutes to give the Americans the lead.
The first half was a grind, as the U.S. built into a dominant possessional force but were stymied by El Salvador’s organization and physicality, which frustrated the Americans on multiple occasions. After halftime, however, an injection of energy saw the hosts become truly dangerous, and Exploria Stadium in Orlando could feel a goal coming.
That it did just minutes after Pepi entered the field to replace starting striker Daryl Dike. Receiving a wonderful through ball from Weston McKennie, Pepi raced onto the delivery and beat his defender with pace, finishing with a delightful chip for the moment of magic the U.S. was missing.
In defense, Miles Robinson was exceptional on his return to the national team after suffering an Achilles injury that ended his chance of playing at the 2022 World Cup. He raced back to put in multiple blocks, tackles, and interceptions to keep El Salvador’s counter-attack at bay all match.
The United States will now likely play Mexico in the semifinals of the Nations League this summer, unless Canada and Honduras draw, or Panama beats Costa Rica by 6 or more goals.
The Sporting News will be following the USA vs El Salvador match live and providing score updates, commentary, and highlights as they happen.
USA vs El Salvador final score
| 1H | 2H | Score | |
| USA | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| El Salvador | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Goals:
63rd min — USA — Ricardo Pepi
Nations League Group D standings — LIVE
| Pos | Nation | Pts | W-L-D | GD |
| 1. | USA | 10 | 3-0-1 | +12 |
| 1. | El Salvador | 5 | 1-1-2 | +1 |
| 3. | Grenada | 1 | 0-3-1 | -13 |
Confirmed lineups:
USA (4-3-3, right to left): 1. Turner (GK) — 5. A. Robinson, 4. M. Robinson, 13. Ream, 2. Dest — 7. Reyna (Booth, 72′) , 8. McKennie (Cardoso, 90′), 6. Musah (de la Torre, 72′) — 10. Pulisic, 23. Dike (Pepi, 60′), 17. Zendejas (Aaronson, 60′).
El Salvador (4-4-2, right to left): 1. M. Gonzalez (GK) — 21. Tamacas, 3. Dominguez, 4. Zavaleta, 15. A. Roldan (Blanco, 46′) — 8. Landaverde (C. Martinez, 56′), 10. E. Hernandez, 6. Orellana, 17. Duenas (M. Gil, 56′) — 9. C. Gil, 19. K. Reyes (Menjivar, 75′).
USA vs El Salvador live updates, highlights, commentary
USA 1-0 El Salvador at FULLTIME.
The United States has qualified for the CONCACAF Nations League semifinal thanks to a goal by Ricardo Pepi two minutes after he entered the game.
El Salvador is highly-coached and did well to cause trouble in the first half, but they lacked the skills and stamina to keep up with the hosts in the second. Because they secure all three points and take no chances, Ricardo Pepi’s goal is significant for both him and the team.
