Berhalter has a wide range to choose from, especially in the striker position.
Ricardo Pepi has been missing for months in top form for both club and country and it looked that way against El Tri. In naming that squad, Berhalter specifically cited Jordan Pefok’s physicality and flying skills as a useful weapon against Panama, and the Swiss-based target man came off the bench to spell Pepi in Mexico City and promptly missed the target with the clearest hit in this game chance.
Meanwhile, Jesus Ferreira came into camp after a smashing hat-trick for FC Dallas but brings a distinctly different tool as a fake No. 9, which may be what Berhalter wants compared to the sturdy, organized or not Canaleros, who caused one of the USMNT’s two Ocho defeats in the second leg in Panama City in October.
“All three strikers want to start the game tomorrow. They all bring different elements that could help the team succeed,” said Berhalter. “Jordan is certainly good at crosses, good in the penalty area. It was a difficult night for him in Azteca, no question. But the players are fighting back. Pepi, I think I talked about his work performance after the game, I thought it was outstanding. I really liked his defensive pressure.
“So overall these guys all put themselves in the competition to play again and we have to make the decision tonight.”