Kelyn Rowe scores his first USMNT goal

Two months ago, Kelyn Rowe seemed like a long shot to make Bruce Arena’s Gold Cup roster. But he defied the odds and landed among the final 23 players selected.

Tonight, Rowe made good on his selection by scoring his first international goal against Nicaragua.

In the 56th minute, Rowe received a diagonal ball from Alejandro Bedoya and took a controlled first touch toward Nicaragua goalkeeper Justo Lorente. With the outside of his right foot, Rowe tucked a shot inside the near post to give the U.S. a 2-0 advantage.

Rowe has shined for the U.S. over the past two weeks. He looked confident and creative in the United States’ friendly win over Ghana on July 1. And seven days later, during the first Gold Cup match for the U.S., he picked up a cheeky assist against Panama.

There’s no question Rowe can keep pace at the international level. His Gold Cup performance should pave the way for continued looks from Arena.

And if he continues to play at this level, he could defy the odds again and join the United States in Russia.