FRISCO, Texas (September 13, 2021) - FC Dallas Homegrown defender Justin Che was named to MLSsoccer.com's Team of the Week for Week 24, while Homegrown forward Ricardo Pepi was named to the TOTW bench following the 1-1 draw with San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday, Sept. 11 at Toyota Stadium. This is Che’s second Team of the Week honor for the 2021 season and Pepi’s second Team of the Week bench appearance and fifth overall of the season.
Che, 17, recorded his second assist of the season, assisting Pepi in the 50th minute. Che sent an out-swinging cross near the top of the box over San Jose’s defense towards Pepi who headed in the pass to tie the game. He had eight crosses and three chances created, including his run through San Jose’s midfield after receiving a pass from Matt Hedges near Dallas’ box and firing a low-shot towards the goal before it was blocked by San Jose in the 49th minute.
Pepi, 18, makes his second appearance on MLSsoccer.com’s Team of the Week bench this season after scoring the game-tying goal against the Quakes. He scored his 12th goal of the season, tying him for third-most in the league.
MLSsoccer.com's Week 24 Team of The Week
F – Fafa Picault (HOU), Cristian Arango (LAFC), Ezequiel Barco (ATL)
M – Luciano Acosta (CIN), Joao Paulo (SEA), Carles Gil (NE), Sebastian Blanco (POR)
D – Walker Zimmerman (NSH), Daniel Steres (LA), Justin Che (DAL)
GK – Nick Marsman (MIA)
Coach – Gonzalo Pineda (ATL)
Bench – Stefan Frei (SEA), George Campbell (ATL), Gregore (MIA), Jose Mauri (SKC), Tajon Buchanan (NE), Michael Barrios (COL), Ricardo Pepi (DAL)
