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While former Akron Zip Darlington Nagbe's international soccer career is just getting started, he's already starting to make a mark.
Nagbe's 90th-minute strike from the middle of the box lifted the U.S. Men's National Team to a 1-0 victory over a strong Ecuador side in a friendly. It was Nagbe's first goal for the USMNT after gaining U.S. citizenship just a year ago.
Darlington Nagbe scores his first international goal for the game-winner in the 90' #USMNT #USAvECU #RCTID https://t.co/LkL4YUJIVM
— Corner On Sports (@corneronsports) May 26, 2016
Nagbe started the game on the bench but was inserted into the game during halftime, subbing off starting midfielder Kyle Beckerman. He played a great second half, which culminated in that fantastic goal. Nagbe did well to stay calm after striker Bobby Wood found him wide open in front of the Ecuadorian goal, slotting the ball past the diving keeper to cement the U.S. victory.
It's been quite a wild ride for Nagbe this past year. He helped the Portland Timbers win the MLS title (along with former Akron head coach Caleb Porter), is getting solid playing time and was named to the official roster for the Copa America, which starts this summer. If tonight's performance is any indication, Nagbe is in store for some more opportunities to contribute to the National Team.