Making his first ever appearance for the U.S. men's national team, former youth standout Ricardo Pepi had a hand in all four goals in a 4-1 road win against Honduras on Wednesday.

One of top young Americans in Major League Soccer this season, Pepi made his debut as a starter with the U.S. facing nearly a must-win situation in San Pedro Sula.

After a limp first half performance, on the heels of back-to-back draws, Pepi punctuated a four-goal second half performance with a goal and an assist. He also was involved in all four goals.

Trailing 1-0, Pepi helped hold up the ball in the 47th minute. Playing it through to Christian Pulisic, Pepi continued his run into the penalty area. He contested a cross from Sebastian Lleget that bounced to Antonee Robinson, who scored the equalizer with his right foot.

Pepi then scored the eventual winner, heading home a cross from DeAndre Yedlin in the 74th minute.

RICARDO PEPI WITH HIS DEBUT GOAL TO GIVE THE @USMNT THE LEAD 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/8UiNxA8mCO

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) September 9, 2021

Next, Pepi turned provider. After Cristian Roldan won the ball high up the field, Pepi found Brenden Aaronson at the top of the box in the 86th minute, who slotted home to make it 3-1. Lleget scored the fourth, which came off a saved Pepi shot.

RICARDO PEPI FINDS BRENDEN AARONSON FOR THE @USMNT'S THIRD 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/q7wCIu6SaV

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) September 9, 2021

Wednesday's lineup had a slew of milestones for young talent. Pepi became the second-youngest player to appear in a World Cup qualifier for the United States, behind Christian Pulisic. Youngsters George Bello, Mark McKenzie and James Sands also made their debut. And with an average age in the XI of just over 23 years old, was one of the youngest in program history.

Thanks in large part to Pepi, it paid off in the form of three valuable road points in World Cup qualifying.

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