🇺🇸 State of the Union: Pepi shock, Nashville move, Bale gets 'em talking | OneFootball

It was a big day this side of the pond, with the USA announcing their squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Here’s the big news from that, as well as the latest from the MLS.

Pepi left at home as Berhalter names squad

All eyes were on Brooklyn on Wednesday afternoon as the USMNT squad for the upcoming World Cup was revealed.

The biggest shock was undoubtedly the omission of 19-year-old Augsburg striker Ricardo Pepi, who had been expected to be included after an impressive qualifying campaign for the Stars and Stripes.

A bitter blow for the former Dallas starlet, who has been in excellent scoring form for loan club Groningen in the Netherlands this season.

And a big call by head coach Greg Berhalter, who has plumped for Antalyaspor’s Haji Wright instead.

Through the ranks

Of the 26 players named in the squad, 18 had either played in Major League Soccer or spent time at one of its academies.

It means that there’s a lot resting on how the national side fare in Qatar.

A disappointing showing and there will no doubt be questions asked of how players in this country are being developed.

Houston’s Piacult set for Nashville switch

Back to domestic matters, and MLS insider Tom Bogert has reported that Nashville have agreed a deal with Houston Dynamo for winger Fafà Piacult.

The 31-year-old, who spent three seasons with Philadelphia Union between 2017 and 2019, would certainly bring a wealth of experience to the Boys in Gold.

Shot heard round the world

Well, it was a header rather than a shot. But you’ll allow some leeway on this one.

Gareth Bale’s stunning last-gasp equaliser sent the MLS Cup final to penalties last Saturday, and his LAFC team-mates went on to do the business in the ensuing shootout.

It may well prove to a defining moment in MLS history, and one that echoed all over the globe as these foreign commentaries articulate.

Throwback rack 👕

It was a deeply disappointing day for Pepi, no doubt, so we’ll look back at happier times in his breakthrough season for Dallas in 2019.

Still very much one for the future.