Tyler Adams isn't renowned for his goal-scoring prowess, having netted just five goals in 250 club appearances, so he picked quite the time to lace up his shooting boots on Sunday.
The Bournemouth and U.S. men's national team midfielder captained the Stars and Stripes in their clash with Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League Final.
In the 45th minute, Adams unleashed a corker from distance to mystify El Tri.
MORE: USMNT win third CONCACAF Nations League title
Tyler Adams Goal: USMNT midfielder shocks Mexico to open scoring
Playing as the deepest-lying midfielder in the U.S.'s two-man wrecking crew, Adams fielded a pass from Weston McKennie in space. The 25-year-old looked up, dribbled into space, and saw no one was within striking distance of him. So, with precious little pressure and a howitzer of a right foot, Adams opted to go for goal.
Adams launched a shot toward the frame, evading Erick Sanchez's last-ditch block attempt. Adams' effort twirled across the night sky before eventually nestling into the top corner, sending the mostly pro-American Arlington, Texas crowd into a frenzy.
TYLER ADAMS FROM THE PARKING LOT ARE YOU FOR REAL??? 💥🚀🔥 pic.twitter.com/ZrK7PoxCST
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 25, 2024
Adams was in a stupor, racing beyond his joyous teammates in delight. He frolicked down the field with vigor, unable to keep the smile off of his face. Once he reached the sideline, he disappeared into a sea of limbs.
It was a momentous moment for U.S. Soccer, which would go on to claim a 2-0 victory over its hated rivals.
Adams figures to be a major piece in Gregg Berhalter's puzzle during this summer's Copa America. The savvy destroyer has shown himself to be a cool customer at the highest level, scoring Champions League goals while at RB Leipzig and slotting into decent Premier League outfits over the past few years.
He's been felled by an injury bug over the years, though. Adams made his first Premier League appearance prior to this past international break, but if Sunday was any indication, Adams is back. In many ways, he might be better than ever.
Sunday represented Adams' first start for the USMNT in 475 days. By placing the ball beyond Mexican legend Guillermo Ochoa, he showed that even the rust of poor health can't erode quality.
For Berhalter and countless American fans across the country, that's only a good thing.