Pepi gives Pochettino first USMNT competitive win

Gregg Berhalter era ends with embarrassing loss to Japan

Pefok scores from the spot as United States beat El Salvador 2-0

Ricardo Pepi scored his first international goal as the United States beat El Salvador 2-0 in their opening game of the CONCACAF Gold Cup on Wednesday. The 18-year-old FC Dallas forward headed home a cross from Paul Arriola in the 30th minute to give the U.S. the lead. Brenden Aaronson doubled the advantage in the 59th minute with a neat finish after a good run from Giovani Reyna. The victory was the first for the U.S. under new coach Gregg Berhalter, who replaced Bruce Arena after the Americans' failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. The U.S. dominated possession and created several chances in the first half, but they were unable to add to their lead. Pepi had a good chance to make it 2-0 in the 40th minute, but his shot was saved by El Salvador goalkeeper Mario Gonzalez. The U.S. continued to press in the second half, and they were rewarded when Aaronson scored his first international goal. The 19-year-old Red Bull Salzburg midfielder finished well after a good run from Reyna. The victory was a good start for the U.S., who are looking to win their seventh Gold Cup title. They will next face Canada on Sunday in their second group game. El Salvador, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back when they face Curacao on Saturday.