Tag: PSV

USMNT striker Pepi completes transfer to PSV

The 20-year-old is staying in the Netherlands after a successful loan at Groningen last season

Ricardo Pepi is making his stay in the Netherlands permanent.

After impressing on loan with Groningen last season, the U.S. national team striker has completed a transfer to PSV from German outfit Augsburg.

Pepi will wear the No. 14 at PSV and has signed a five-year contract. ESPN reported last month that the Dutch club will pay $9.8 million for the striker.

“I am incredibly happy and excited to be here,” Pepi told PSV’s website. “I believe this is the right step for my career. PSV is a club with great ambitions, and I share the same desire to win trophies. I am a hardworking player who is willing to put in the dirty work. I prefer to have the ball close to the goal because that’s when I can score goals.”

Pepi’s time at Augsburg was ill-fated from the moment the Bundesliga side paid a club-record fee of $20 million in January 2022 to sign the striker from FC Dallas.

After failing to score in his first half season with Augsburg, Pepi started the 2022-23 season off slowly as well before joining Groningen on loan for the rest of the campaign.

With Groningen, Pepi found his scoring touch once again, netting 12 times in the Eredivisie despite the club’s relegation.

“Ricardo possesses the qualities we look for in an attacker, the qualities of a PSV player,” said the club’s director of football Earnie Stewart, who recently left his position as U.S. Soccer sporting director to take the job with the Dutch power.

“He has proven to be a goalscorer in multiple positions, and he works extremely hard for it. It speaks volumes that he accounted for such a large portion of FC Groningen’s goals.”

Pepi just missed out on the USMNT’s World Cup squad, but has come back into the fold with a bang after the tournament in Qatar.

The 20-year-old has scored four goals in four appearances with the USMNT in 2023, including a goal against Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinal last month.

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Goalkeeper-punching fan sentenced to two months in jail

If you run on the field and attack a player, you will probably end up in jail

The PSV fan who ran on the field and attacked Sevilla goalkeeper Marko Dmitrović during a game last month has been handed a two-month jail sentence.

In the middle of PSV’s Europa League match at home against Sevilla, the 20-year-old man ran onto the Philips Stadium pitch and made a beeline for the Serbia international keeper.

Video footage showed the man throw a punch at Dmitrović, who then wrestled him to the ground and restrained him before security intervened.

In not-so-stunning news, the fan had 1. A prior history of soccer-related offenses, and was 2. Drunk.

“The suspect not only violated a stadium and area ban, he also went onto the field in a drunken state to assault a soccer player,” the East Brabant District Court said. “This is completely disrespectful to the victim, the soccer clubs and all true supporters of PSV. In addition, the suspect was convicted twice in 2021 for soccer-related offenses.”

The court said the fan had already been banned from the area around Philips Stadium, and had a friend buy a ticket to the game for him.

UEFA has also opened a disciplinary case into PSV, with the Dutch club expected to receive some form of punishment.

“If someone attacks me, I’m going to defend myself. I think he brushed against me, he couldn’t hit me,” Dmitrović said after the incident. “I managed to beat him. I was on the ground for a long time until security came.”

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Taylor Booth’s time has arrived

The 21-year-old looks destined for a major transfer this summer

Taylor Booth’s rapid rise was solidified this week by a pair of reports from two major Dutch publications.

According to VI: “The chance that Taylor Booth will still play for FC Utrecht after this summer is small,” with top Dutch clubs as well as teams from Spain and England interested in the 21-year-old American.

The report added that Utrecht will expect to break its record for an outbound transfer, which is currently €8.4 million.

Meanwhile, De Telegraaf said that Ajax and PSV are keen on bringing Booth in this summer.

For a player who had very little first-team minutes before this season, Booth’s rise has come as somewhat of a surprise. But watching his combination of skill, confidence and vision, you’d be forgiven for thinking the midfielder had years of experience under his belt.

The Utah native came up through Bayern Munich’s academy but only managed one first-team appearance in his time with the German giants. His other senior minutes came in a loan at Austrian side St. Pölten two seasons ago.

After joining Utrecht last summer on a free transfer from Bayern, Booth initially began this season rotating between the club’s first team and reserve side.

By November, though, Booth was not only an every-game starter for Utrecht, he was even named the Eredivisie player of the month.

Now, Booth’s U.S. national team debut seems a matter of when, not if. VI says he is on the USMNT’s provisional roster for CONCACAF Nations League matches later this month.

If Booth is called in, the U.S. would be wise to get him on the pitch at some point in those two games to cap-tie him — he does, after all, hold an Italian passport, too.

Booth being stuck in an international tug-of-war between the U.S. and Italy may seem a little far fetched, but if his current trajectory continues then it may not be the craziest thing imaginable.

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Even if your team loses, don’t punch Marko Dmitrovic

Punching the goalkeeper is a Soccer Don’t

When you go to a soccer game, there are things you should do: sing a song, talk with friends, marvel at the amazing things people can do while kicking a ball around.

One thing you should not do, though, is go on the field after your team loses to punch a goalkeeper (or anyone else).

One PSV fan seemingly did not know that important Soccer Don’t, as a supporter ran onto the field at Phillips Stadion to attack Sevilla goalkeeper Marko Dmitrović after the Spanish side held on to a 3-2 Europa League aggregate win.

The lone fan was seen on video from the stands approaching to shove Dmitrović from behind. The fan then threw a punch after Serbia’s deputy goalkeeper seemed to more or less be asking what the problem was.

Dmitrović, to his immense credit, managed to calmly get the man on the ground and hold him there — eventually with players from both teams helping out — before stadium security hauled the fan away.

Following the game — and in a sterling example of understatement — Dmitrović told Tiempo de Juego that he was “surprised” by what had happened.

“If someone attacks me, I’m going to defend myself. I think he brushed against me, he couldn’t hit me,” said the 6-foot-4 Dmitrović. “I managed to beat him. I was on the ground for a long time until security came.”

In fact, before security arrived, the first people that showed up to help Dmitrović were PSV players, and eventually just about every Sevilla player converged as well. Dmitrović appeared to be no worse for wear, and will presumably be excited to find out who Sevilla will face in the quarterfinal.

High drama at Phillips Stadion

The match itself was more than a little dramatic. Sevilla won the first leg 3-0, and got within 15 minutes of a straightforward victory in a competition that they have long thrived in.

However, Luuk de Jong’s 77th minute goal gave PSV a glimmer of hope, and a Fábio Silva finish amid a scrum five minutes into stoppage time set up a possible grandstand finish. However, with PSV protesting for one more set piece opportunity, referee Daniele Orsato blew for full time. Mauro Júnior was sent off in the chaos, but little did anyone know, things were boiling over down at the other end of the field.

And now, unfortunately for that fan, there are some photos that make him look foolish.

(AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
(AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
(AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

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Cody Gakpo seized his moment with Netherlands game-winner vs. Senegal

It looks like Gakpo is ready for the big time

Cody Gakpo wants to make sure he’s on any list of breakout young stars at this World Cup.

The PSV attacker scored what turned out to be the game-winner for the Netherlands in their 2-0 victory over Senegal, heading a chipped pass from Frenkie de Jong home in the 84th minute.

Things weren’t going as smoothly as Louis van Gaal had planned, with a potent Senegal team creating their fair share of chances (and in fact, out-shooting the Dutch 15-10 on the night). A draw wouldn’t have been a disaster, but it would have made things far more stressful in their next match against group-leading Ecuador.

That was Gakpo’s cue. With de Jong looking for options and most Dutch attackers stagnant and marked up well by Senegal, Gakpo made eye contact and slashed in from the right half-space. De Jong’s lob was right on the money: just close enough to draw goalkeeper Édouard Mendy off his line, but into a space where Gakpo could arrive first to break the deadlock.

It’s the latest big moment for Gakpo, who drew intense transfer interest this summer from Manchester United, Leeds, and other clubs around Europe only to end up sticking with PSV. The 23-year-old debuted at PSV at 18, but really started to catch the eye in the 2019-2020 season, producing seven goals and seven assists in the Eredivisie.

Since then, Gakpo has scored 36 goals in all competitions, an excellent record for a midfielder/winger with just over 100 appearances for PSV. And now with this World Cup goal, the spotlight — and winter transfer interest — will likely keep growing.

Watch Gakpo give the Netherlands a World Cup win

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¡Partidazo del Guti! El clásico ante Ajax fue para PSV con gol del mexicano

El Guti tuvo una destacada actuación confirmando el buen nivel que tendrá en Qatar 2022 un gol suyo puso a su equipo líder de la Eredivisie

El clásico de la Eredivisie entre PSV y Ajax tuvo sabor muy mexicano con los tres aztecas en el terreno de juego y una estupenda actuación de Erick Gutiérrez que le dio el triunfo a su equipo.

El PSV con el Guti como titular, aseguró el liderato de la Eredivisie al derrotar.a su máximo rival el Ajax que también arrancó con sus mexicanos en el 11 inicial con Edson Álvarez que terminó amonestado y Jorge Sánchez que sigue sin encontrarle el ritmo a la liga pues un error suyo desencadenó el primer gol del PSV.

USA TODAY Sports

El Guti tuvo una destacada actuación confirmando el buen nivel que tendrá en Qatar 2022 pues su equipo es líder de la Eredivisie y el mexicano sigue anotando goles, sumando el tercero en su cuenta personal esta campaña.

Para Edson Álvarez y el Ajax la crítica por caer de local en una nueva derrota ante su gente que resulta muy dolorosa pues en este clásico se trataba de la disputa por el liderato de la competencia el cual no pudo asegurar el cuadro de Amsterdam que atraviesa una mini crisis de resultados.

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Matt Turner credits Arsenal affection to rounds of FIFA and Premier League pub mornings

Turner went from playing with Arsenal in FIFA to playing for Arsenal in real life

Matt Turner is just like so many American soccer fans, except for the part where he plays professionally.

Speaking with reporters ahead of Arsenal’s Europa League match against PSV, Turner said that he started following the Gunners well before the London club brought him to the Premier League. In fact, he followed one of the most traditional American fan routes for picking a team in Europe, with Arsenal being his preferred team in the FIFA video game series.

“After the World Cup in 2010 I bought my first game of FIFA, and when it says ‘What club do you want to support or select?’ obviously ‘A’ came up first and Arsenal was there,” said Turner, adding that it played into a different, more personal connection. “My sisters both played for a local club team that was called The Arsenal, and so I just made that connection right there and kind of stuck with it.”

Turner added that as he got older, he followed another American tradition, heading to pubs bright and early to catch Arsenal’s Premier League matches.

“The 12:30pm kickoff here was 7:30am (on the east coast), so anytime Arsenal were playing I was doing my best to watch,” said Turner. “As I got a bit older I got into the pub culture in New York City and I have been around the fans for those types of atmospheres as well.”

Turner, Arsenal prep for PSV

Turner is expected to get another start in European competition Thursday against PSV. A win at the Emirates Stadium would guarantee Arsenal a place in the knockout rounds, and put them into an ideal place to win group A, which comes with a bye straight into the tournament’s round of 16.

Still, Turner is focused on earning his appearances.

“Playing for this great club is such an honor and I do not take it for granted. As an American player, I did not think (playing for Arsenal) would be possible. To play meaningful minutes for Arsenal is something special,” explained Turner. “My goal is to take this as far as I possibly can, to the highest level possible.”

That includes a potentially busy day at the office. PSV may be two points behind Arsenal, but they’re by far the highest-scoring team in the group with 11 goals from three games. Mikel Arteta praised Turner after his performance in a 1-0 win at Bodø/Glimt, and the U.S. men’s national team goalkeeper will likely have to match or better that showing if Arsenal’s unblemished record is to continue.

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VIDEO: Erick Gutiérrez anota en Europa League con el PSV

El PSV arrancó el duelo ante el Zurich con el Guti como titular y muy pronto en el partido el mexicano abrió el marcador en la Europa League

En la actividad de los mexicanos en la Europa League, Erick Gutiérrez destacó por marcar el primer gol del PSV ante el Zurich para abrir el marcador.

Apenas al minuto 9 de comenzado el partido el mexicano aprovechó un rebote del guardameta del Zurich para mandar a guardar el balón al fondo de las redes en su primer gol del torneo.

El PSV arrancó el duelo ante el Zurich con el Guti como titular y muy pronto en el partido fue decisiva su participación pues minutos después el PSV con más confianza por arrancar con gol de vestidor convirtió un segundo tanto a los 15 minutos.

El PSV que marcha tercero en la Eredivisie por debajo del Ajax y el AZ que es el líder del torneo, está teniendo una buena Europa League manteniendo el invicto en las primeras tres fechas y colocándose en segundo lugar del grupo por debajo del Arsenal pero que le bastaría para ir a las eliminatorias previas a la segunda ronda.

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USMNT duo Malik Tillman, James Sands help Rangers qualify for Champions League

The U.S. contingent in the Champions League keeps growing

Add James Sands and Malik Tillman to the list of U.S. men’s national team players in this year’s Champions League group stage.

The USMNT duo both played a major role as Rangers defeated PSV 1-0 on Wednesday night, giving them a 3-2 aggregate victory that sends the Scottish side into Thursday’s draw. Manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst started Tillman as his No. 10 in a 4-2-3-1 formation, while Sands took up his usual spot at center back as both USMNT players went the full 90 minutes.

Rangers started well, with Tillman creating their best early look only for Tom Lawrence to blaze it wide in the 25th minute. Tillman and Sands were among the best players on the field for either team, with Rangers’ attacks nearly always involving the former Bayern Munich academy product. At the other end, Sands and the Glaswegian club’s defense gave up little, frustrating the crowd in Eindhoven and keeping the game manageable for Rangers.

Tillman also ended up with the assist on the goal that took them through, pouncing on a massive mistake on the hour mark as Rangers scored the game’s only goal. PSV goalkeeper Walter Benítez passed to André Ramalho, who Tillman pressured immediately. Tillman won the ball cleanly, drew Benítez, and squared for Antonio Colak to tap into an empty net.

It was the second decisive moment for Tillman in this Champions League qualifying campaign. His first goal at the club completed a remarkable comeback in the previous round, as they overturned a two-goal deficit to advance past Union Saint-Gilloise. That moment was instantly lionized on the blue side of Glasgow, with fans doing a “Tillman Header Challenge” outside of Ibrox.

From there, though, the game came down to Rangers doing wonderful work in killing the game off effectively, with PSV never having much of a look of note. Sands played a prominent role at center back, coming through numerous aeriel duels as PSV grew more desperate.

The win sees Rangers back into the group stage for the first time since the 2010-11 edition. Tillman and Sands will join a large group of USMNT-eligible players in the group stage, with Christian Pulisic (Chelsea), Gio Reyna (Dortmund), Sergiño Dest (Barcelona, at least for the time being),  Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic), Owen Otasowie (Club Brugge), Timothy Chandler (Eintract Frankfurt), and Josh Cohen (Maccabi Haifa).

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UEFA Champions League playoffs: Maccabi Haifa, Benfica, Viktoria Plzen qualify

Follow all the UEFA Champions League playoffs as the final teams qualify for this year’s competition.

The final playoffs for the UEFA Champions League are playing out, with the final six spots in this year’s group stage up for grabs. Follow along as the second leg of every playoff is settled, and the Champions League picture clarifies.