The Chelsea star played a part in several goals as the U.S. put seven past the opposition on Friday night.
It went exactly as you expected in would. A team loaded with players capable of playing at the highest levels absolutely battered a team of players that certainly aren't of the standard.
The U.S. men's national team completely dominated Grenada on Friday night to resume their Nations Legue campaign. That word is thrown out often in sport, "dominated", but it fits here. They crushed them 7-1, and that scoreline may actually be somewhat flattering.
Still, though, this game was exactly what the USMNT needed. In the first match since the World Cup, the USMNT's stars got a chance to show their stuff. Christian Pulisic was totally unplayable. Weston McKennie was a menace. Brenden Aaronson popped up with a goal. Gio Reyna, after everything that's happened, was back in the team and had some bright moments in a new position.
Ricardo Pepi will likely be happiest of all, though. After missing the World Cup after his club form cratered, Pepi is back scoring goals for Groningen and, now, back scoring goals for the national team. He had two of them on this night, his first two for the USMNT since 2021 and, regardless of opposition, that'll always feel nice.
Alejandro Zendejas will smile, too, having scored his first USMNT goal, while Auston Trusty and Taylor Booth showed good signs in their USMNT debuts.
Overall, we didn't learn much about the USMNT. They're a class above Grenada, and we knew that coming in. But that won't make the result any less sweet as the 2026 World Cup cycle is now truly underway
GOAL rates the USMNT's players from Kirani James National Stadium…
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Matt Turner (6/10):
Not too much he could have done on the goal and, other than that, not too much to do. One of the easier games of his national team career.
Joe Scally (7/10):
Extremely active and led the USMNT in touches in the first half. Still, we'll need to seem him on his preferred right-hand side sooner or later.
Mark McKenzie (6/10):
A few awkward moments, but nothing too bad. Still a little bit nervy on the ball, so that's something to keep an eye on going forward after his infamous Nations League final mishap.
Auston Trusty (7/10):
The better of the two centerbacks, partially due to his assist on McKennie's second. A pretty solid USMNT debut, all things considered, for a player that should get more looks in the future due to his good form with Birmingham.
Bryan Reynolds (7/10):
Came into his own as the game wore on. Made some dangerous runs, especially in the second half, and helped create a few chances in the second 45.
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Luca de la Torre (8/10):
Fantastic in the second half as he set up both USMNT goals. He's perfect for this type of game, as his ability on the ball can help the U.S. unlock some of these lesser CONCACAF teams that can only play bunker ball. De la Torre got hot towards the end of last cycle, but should be a regular for this one.
Weston McKennie (8/10):
Two goals on the night, both coming from set pieces. A+ Harry Potter wand-waving form from the USMNT star as well. He remains so, so dangerous from dead ball situation. Why haven't Leeds been able to utilize that just yet?
Gio Reyna (6/10):
One of the few USMNT starters that didn't have a signature moment at some point in this one. Still, not a bad performance by any stretch. Played in a central role rather than on the wing, but just didn't quite impact the game.
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Brenden Aaronson (7/10):
Some sweet feet to get the second goal of the game, setting the tone for what turned out to be a blowout. His energy and pressing are often lauded as his best attributes, but he can finish, too, as evidenced by Friday's goal. He's still progressing as a player in the final third but, if he ever becomes more dangerous, look out.
Ricardo Pepi (8/10):
Welcome back, El Tren. The hype train is back on the tracks as Pepi scored twice to lead the line. The first was a simple header from a perfect Pulisic cross, the second a near post smash. Goals are goals, though, and Pepi will be glad to have some on his resume once again.
Christian Pulisic (10/10):
Yes, you have to consider the competition a bit, but Pulisic was absolutely unplayable. The Chelsea star looked absolutely world class, playing a part in each of the USMNT's first four goals before scoring one his own in the second half. A truly dominant performance on a night he wore the armband. Captain America, indeed.
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Yunus Musah (6/10):
Typically smooth in midfield, but nothing to write home about. You know what you get from Musah, especially in a game like this where the U.S. have the ball.
Daryl Dike (6/10):
Created a few chances but couldn't quite get his goal. Encouraging, for sure, even if he'll be a bit overshadowed by Pepi's goals.
Alejandro Zendejas (9/10):
Welcome to the USMNT! He's officially cap-tied and he's officially a goalscorer. Came off the bench in the second half and curled one in moments later. A better goalkeeper keeps it out, but who cares? You never forget your first, and the he USMNT will hope its the first of many for their new winger and, given the fact that he created chance after chance in the second half, the program has a reason to be excited.
Taylor Booth (6/10):
A lot to like on the ball. Booth played a few very, very dangerous balls, showing some set piece delivery that had been lacking for much of last cycle. A positive debut for the Utrecht star, overall.
Johnny Cardoso (N/A):
Came on to lock things down for the final 15 minutes, but what was there to lock down? Would be nice to see him as a No. 6 against tougher opposition.
Anthony Hudson (9/10):
Lots of goals, no injuries. All Hudson could have asked for. Will have to make some changes for Monday's match in Orlando but, for this one, a job well done.
