It's A Swift Kick In The Dick Seeing Ricardo Pepi Party In A Netherlands Jersey After We Lost To Them

Can't see this. Not gonna make everything that much easier. Now, to set the stage here a bit. Ricardo Pepi was (somewhat) shockingly left off the USMNT's roster for the World Cup. He's a guy who picked the US over Mexico, was part of our qualifying process. He's someone who basically everyone assumed would be our starter for a few World Cups now. BUT he was left off. 

He also plays professionally in the Netherlands, which is how we get here. This is *likely* a lost bet after the Netherlands beat the US. But that's not the kick in the dick. The kick in the dick is knowing how different that match could have went. The kick in the dick is remembering some of Gregg's decisions. Does Pepi make a difference in Qatar? I don't know. I thought Sargent was fine even if he didn't finish his clear goal opportunity. Wright was average. Ferreria was a bust for the one half he played. Pepi surely could have done that. 

I've thought about it the last two days and again, the World Cup was not a failure. We're so used to winning at whatever we do because we're Americans, we don't just appreciate some little things. Getting out of the group was a must have. Look around - Germany, Denmark, Uruguay, Mexico they all didn't. We have a midfield - assuming no one gets hurt - who very well might be the best in the world at the next World Cup. That's how good Musah, McKennie and Adams are together. Pulisic, Weah, Reyna, Dest, Aaronson and Robinson are still in their primes and will be come 2026. That's what we have to focus on now. 

But this? This is not how I wanted to start a Monday. Can't have a guy the US needs to be good dance around wearing a Netherlands jersey. I don't care if it's a bet or not. I don't care if he's in the Netherlands. Gotta take it off and throw it down or something.