[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 98 (Wednesday, June 10, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E562]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING RICARDO PEPI AND ALEJANDRO ``ALEX'' ZENDEJAS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. VERONICA ESCOBAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 10, 2026

  Ms. ESCOBAR. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Congressional Soccer 
Caucus, I rise today to honor Ricardo Pepi and Alejandro ``Alex'' 
Zendejas, two stars in professional and international soccer, for being 
selected as part of the U.S. Men's National Team for the 2026 World 
Cup.
  Mr. Pepi, born in El Paso and raised in San Elizario, made a name for 
himself at FC Dallas where he won MLS Young Player of the Year in 2021 
before moving abroad to Europe. He is now a cornerstone of PSV 
Eindhoven.
  Mr. Zendejas, born in neighboring Ciudad Juarez and raised in El 
Paso, has had an incredible career playing for some of Liga MX's 
biggest clubs like Chivas and Club America, where he is a staple today.
  So many young athletes and their families sacrifice immensely to 
perfect their craft with the dream of playing professionally one day. I 
hope each of them are proud of their accomplishments and this once-in-
a-lifetime opportunity to represent our country on the world's biggest 
stage.
  El Paso is very proud of them.
  I thank them both for making our community and our country proud. I 
wish each of them--and the entire Men's National Team--nothing but the 
best of luck.

                          ____________________