<p>FC Dallas' 18-year-old striker Ricardo Pepi has made it three goals in two USMNT appearances as the United States defeated Jamaica 2-0 in Austin, Texas. The result gives the U.S. eight points from its first four games in the CONCACAF Octagonal, and with Mexico's draw at home against Canada, the U.S. now sits tied for first in the group. Weston McKennie was welcomed back into the fold after being sent home for violating team rules during the last window, but in terms of the key takeaways, Pepi stole the show with his brace. </p><p></p><p><u><a href="https://theathletic.com/news/usmnts-ricardo-pepi-scores-2-goals-in-world-cup-qualifier-win-over-jamaica/7cuxlw4HDMcA" target=" self">Read Jeff Rueter's first take on the win</a></u>, and check out columns from Sam Stejskal and Paul Tenorio. Sam writes that <a href="https://theathletic.com/2876131/2021/10/08/how-verticality-energy-a