Schalke midfielder Weston McKennie's (c.) USA international career got off to a dream start in Portugal.
Schalke midfielder Weston McKennie's (c.) USA international career got off to a dream start in Portugal.

Schalke's Weston McKennie scores on USA debut

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Schalke prodigy Weston McKennie scored 20 minutes into his senior international debut for the USA in the Stars and Stripes' 1-1 draw with European champions Portugal on Tuesday.

The 19-year-old, who was called up to represent his homeland for the first time just last week, danced into the opposition area before sweeping home a precise finish that fellow American Christian Pulisic would have been proud of.

Read: 10 things you might not know about Weston McKennie!

McKennie - officially the third youngest debutant goalscorer in USMNT history - played 84 minutes of the friendly encounter in Leiria.

McKennie's milestone strike continues a whirlwind year for the young midfielder. He made his Bundesliga debut on the final day of the 2016/17 campaign, was promoted to the Schalke first team during the summer and has made a further seven Bundesliga appearances since.

The Texas native described the moment as a "dream come true" as he looks set to play a pivotal role in both the future of Schalke and the USA national team. Remember the name!

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