There’s just something special about seeing American players shine on the biggest stages in world soccer, and when two of them do it on the same day in the UEFA Champions League, it’s time to break out the bald eagle emojis and start humming the Star-Spangled Banner. Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie both found the back of the net, and you could feel the cocky American blood pumping in the twitter streets. 

Let’s start with Christian Pulisic—Captain America himself. The man was born to ball, and despite a few ups and downs, he always manages to remind us why he’s our best export since… I don’t know, since Pamela Andersons sex tape? Pulisic, now rocking the AC Milan red and black, showed exactly why Italians are learning how to pronounce his last name instead of just calling him “Wanker.” (I don’t know if my people use the word “wanker” but I assume there’s an Italian slang that means something similar).  Seeing him score in the Champions League feels like validation for every U.S. soccer fan who’s been dying on the hill that we can compete in world competition. 

And then there’s Weston McKennie, the absolute boy. Once I saw him listening to Gunna before the match, I knew he was going to put one in the back of the net. I don’t know what it is, but watching one of our own score goals on the biggest stage in Europe makes me feel like I’m watching a World War II highlight reel. Shit just rocks.

MURICA!

And sure, those cigarettes for breakfast Europeans may still be adjusting to the idea of Americans doing more than just showing up to take part, but that’s their problem. We’re here to stay. When Pulisic and McKennie score in the same round of the Champions League, it feels like we’ve arrived. 

In the grand scheme of things, it’s just one day of soccer. But for American fans, it’s a glimpse of what could be. Who knows? Maybe now that we have a competent manager in Pochettino, the USMNT can make a deep run in either Copa América or the World Cup. Until then, let’s enjoy the fact that we finally have American players balling out in Europe.