League: MLS Sport: Soccer Country: United States Category: Injuries

Damion Downs joins USMNT as injury replacement for Ricardo Pepi

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 21, 2026, 7:23 AM

Last updated Sep 21, 2026

Damion Downs joins USMNT as injury replacement for Ricardo Pepi

Summary

Damion Downs has been called up to the U.S. men's national team to replace Ricardo Pepi, who sustained an injury during PSV's match against FC Twente on September 20. Pepi was substituted out of the game just under 10 minutes in, preventing him from participating in upcoming matches against Peru, Chile, Mexico, and Canada. Downs, a forward from St. Louis City SC, previously played a key role in the U.S. team's Gold Cup final run. He is yet to score in open play for the national team and has seen limited action since joining St. Louis City SC on loan from Southampton in early September, logging just 35 minutes over five matches.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports ESPN Soccer

Status Watch

•Downs replaces injured Pepi in the USMNT squad.
•Pepi injured less than 10 minutes into PSV match.
•Downs instrumental in U.S. Gold Cup semifinal run.
•He has not scored for USMNT or St. Louis City SC yet.
•USMNT set to face Peru, Chile, Mexico, and Canada.

Latest Updates

2:28 PMYahoo Sports — Pochettino replaces injured Pepi with Downs on USMNT roster
8:15 AMESPN Soccer — USMNT replaces injured Pepi with striker Downs
11:37 PMYahoo Sports — Damion Downs returns to USMNT as Ricardo Pepi injury replacement

What they're saying

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Damion Downs will replace injured forward Ricardo Pepi on the United States Men's National Team roster, coach Mauricio Pochettino announced.
— Yahoo Sports