It was a positive return to action on Saturday for American striker Ricardo Pepi.Pepi came off the bench for PSV and scored in a 3-1 Eredivisie victory over Heerenveen. It marked Pepi’s second goal of 2026 and his 11th of the season in all competitions as PSV picked up a crucial three points in its quest to repeat as league champions. Lasse Nordas propelled the visitors in front 1-0 at the Philips Stadion but PSV would tie things up before halftime. Ivan Perisic equalized for Peter Bosz’s men, giving the hosts a key spark.Myron Boadu needed just three minutes after halftime to give PSV a 2-1 lead before Pepi came off the bench to ice the result. Pepi entered the match in the 75th minute and although he had a goal waived off shortly after coming on, the U.S. men’s national team forward finally celebrated his goal before second-half stoppage time. Pepi unleashed a powerful right-footed shot into the bottom-right corner, giving PSV a two-goal lead that it wouldn’t relinquish. pic.twitter.com/Gkj9A1C9cP— aut_comps (@autcomps) February 21, 2026Fellow American Sergino Dest played the full 90 minutes at right back as PSV moved 17 points clear at the top of the table.Up next for PSV is a trip to Heracles Almelo on February 28 with Pepi aiming to add to his goal total.