da realsbet： Ricardo Pepi was wasteful in his first Eredivisie start, while USMNT stars Malik Tillman and Sergino Dest performed well in a PSV win over Heracles.

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Ricardo Pepi earns first Eredivisie startTillman and Dest both also in XIPSV defeats Heracles WHAT HAPPENED?

Ricardo Pepi earned his first-ever PSV start in the Eredivisie Friday, playing 90 minutes in their 2-0 victory over Heracles. An early red card for their opposition gave them a 77-minute advantage throughout the match, but overall, it was a dominant performance from the Dutch side.

USMNT duo Malik Tillman and Sergino Dest also got nods from the start, with the former notching an assist before being removed 61-minutes in ahead of a crucial Champions League knockout match next week.

Dutch hero Luuk de Jong scored his 19th goal of the league campaign, continuing his incredible form across all competitions. Pepi, however, failed to take advantage of his big moment, with eight total shots, but no goal to count for.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

De Jong once again rose to the occasion – literally – for PSV with a booming header to make it 1-0 in the 18th minute. Five minutes earlier, though, Heracles were reduced to 10-men after Bryan Limbombe was sent off for violent conduct after a studs-up challenge. Olivier Boscagli doubled PSV's lead in the 56th minute off another Tillman assist.

Peter Bosz used every substitute available to him on the evening ahead of their upcoming European clash, and took advantage of the ability to rotate early due to their man-advantage.

GettyUSMNT IMPACT

For Pepi, this was his big moment to show Gregg Berhalter that he deserves to be a shout as the starting striker for the USMNT, but he lacked a clinical final touch all day. He did, however, find the back of the net from an offside position at one point. Regardless, it was a missed opportunity ahead of this March's CONCACAF Nations League semifinal against Jamaica.

For Dest and Tillman, they played their roles well, but neither truly stood out. Of the three Americans, Tillman was the most lively and arguably the most creative. His assist was crafty, although, it wasn't game-altering for PSV. Berhalter will be happy to see all three in the XI and will surely be keeping an eye on this week's forthcoming UCL match for the Dutch side.

GOAL'S RATINGS

Ricardo Pepi (6/10): He had what felt like chance after chance, but just could not find his finishing boots.

Malik Tillman (7/10): He had one incredibly bright moment in the first half, and followed it up with the assist to double their lead. Not a life-changing performance, but he did well.

Sergino Dest (6/10): Creative in the attack, but with Heracles down a man, wasn't tested much.