By OkayGoal 
It was a positive return to action on Saturday for American striker Ricardo Pepi.
Pepi came off the bench for PSV and scored in a 3-1 Eredivisie victory over Heerenveen. It marked Pepi’s second goal of 2026 and his 11th of the season in all competitions as PSV picked up a crucial three points in its quest to repeat as league champions.
Lasse Nordas propelled the visitors in front 1-0 at the Philips Stadion but PSV would tie things up before halftime.
Ivan Perisic equalized for Peter Bosz’s men, giving the hosts a key spark.
Myron Boadu needed just three minutes after halftime to give PSV a 2-1 lead before Pepi came off the bench to ice the result. Pepi entered the match in the 75th minute and although he had a goal waived off shortly after coming on, the U.S. men’s national team forward finally celebrated his goal before second-half stoppage time.
Pepi unleashed a powerful right-footed shot into the bottom-right corner, giving PSV a two-goal lead that it wouldn’t relinquish.
Fellow American Sergino Dest played the full 90 minutes at right back as PSV moved 17 points clear at the top of the table.
Up next for PSV is a trip to Heracles Almelo on February 28 with Pepi aiming to add to his goal total.