The USMNT secured a huge win away from home, beating Honduras 4-1 at the Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano on Wednesday night. These wins might end up being the difference between booking a ticket for Qatar next year and staying home. US took an early deficit through the goal of Brayan Moya but goals from Antonee Robinson, Ricardo Pepi, Brenden Aaronson and Sebastien Lleglet secured the three points for the USMNT. Here are three things that were evident during the game.

Team responded well to pressure

When Moya shocked the US squad in the 27th minute, it was clearly visible that the nerves were affecting the players. However, it was a rout in the second half, especially in the last 15 minutes, after Pepi scored the goal that put USMNT in front. The composure shown by the relatively young squad was impeccable, which is a great sign for the future of the Americans.

If anything was learned from the previous generation, which turned an almost sure ticket for the World Cup in Russia in 2018 into a nationwide disappointment, is that pressure will be on the team to succeed. This game can be a great example how this squad, which is inexperienced and still up-and-coming, responds to pressure.

It is very important that the previous experiences, especially the aforementioned collapse against Trinidad-Tobago in 2018 qualification window, do not impact this generation of the USMNT. Similar to that game, the team went down early, but the four goals scored are a proper response. Additionally, the high number of goals scored away from home will divert attention from the somewhat disappointing two draws against El Salvador and Canada, and it will be a message to other teams in the group that the USA is not going to be an easy opponent.

Ricardo Pepi is the real deal

The 18-year-old FC Dallas striker scored a decisive 75th-minute goal that completely relaxed the rest of the squad, and he also provided two assists for the whole match. He has been showing immense potential ever since entering the scene in the MLS, and this is absolutely not surprising for anyone who was closely following his games in North Texas SC, previous to joining the MLS squad.

While his goal and assists were enough for a Player of the Match award, it was not only the numbers that should be looked at. Pepi was pacing through the lines of the Honduras defense, not showing any mercy to any of the opposition. His quick feet were also at full display, as it was his runs with the ball that provided most opportunities for goals for the USMNT. Again, it should come as no surprise that he scored, as he netted 11 last season in 21 appearances for The Toros in the league.

What is also worth mentioning is that Pepi gave this performance at a time where the team really needed it. Honduras employed a very aggressive tactic towards the star of the USMNT, Christian Pulisic, who was off the field in the 62nd minute. Along with that, the Borussia Dortmund up-and-comer Gio Reyna was out due to Covid-19, and Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie was also unavailable. With all these circumstances, and away from home, especially with the early goal to the Hondurans, it was clear that the USMNT squad had their work cut out for them. However, Pepi came to the game ready and showed on the pitch why he is ready to go to the next level, and it is worth watching his career in the future.

CONCACAF Qualification might be as interesting as ever

With this win and other results in the region last night, the US team now shares the second spot with Canada and Panama, and is only two points behind Mexico, which has seven points. As of right now, only three games were played, but the only team that really looked sub-par is Jamaica, with one draw and two defeats. It is easy to forget that even Costa Rica, El Salvador and Honduras can still surprise absolutely everyone, with Panama also breathing down the neck of the leading pack.

What makes the qualification even more interesting is the rise of Canada, which seems to be set to make their first World Cup appearance since 1986 in Mexico, which was their only appearance yet. Last night, they took care of business at the BMO Field in Toronto, beating El Salvador with an easy 3-0 win. Mexico, however, had to rescue a point in Panama, with Jesus Corona scoring a goal in the 76th minute.

This is why this win, away from home, is so important for the USMNT. As I mentioned above, most of the teams in the group can be landmines, and the US already lost valuable points drawing with El Salvador in the first round of this qualification window. Thus, positive results away from home against the likes of Panama and Honduras, with wins at home against more-or-less all teams should secure the USA a ball in the group draw for Qatar 2022.

All in all, it can definitely be said that this is an important victory, which showed the rest of the field why the USMNT will always be a tough opponent. Without key players and with the only star, Pulisic, out after about an hour of play, the squad still pulled out an impressive win on a tough ground in San Pedro.

It is important, however, to carry this form into October, where the team will face Jamaica and Costa Rica at home, and Panama away from home. While Jamaica should be a win without any discussions, Costa Rica and especially Panama will be tough match-ups that will need serious preparation. The returns of Reyna, McKennie and Zack Steffen will provide a boost that might take it over the top for the USMNT.