By OkayGoal
Two of the U.S. Men’s National Team’s newest faces in the EFL Championship celebrated their first goals on Saturday.
Sebastian Berhalter scored twice in the first half of Middlesbrough’s 4-3 home victory over Norwich City. The 25-year-old helped Kim Hellberg’s men erase an early deficit at the Riverside Stadium before hanging on for all three points.
“It was so cool to just see the fans’ reaction and seeing them celebrate and to be part of that for the first goal it means lot,” Berhalter said about scoring his first club goals. “I just want to make this city and club happy.”
After Mohamed Toure propelled the visiting Canaries in front in the first minute, Berhalter dialed his own number for Middlesbrough’s equalizer.
Berhalter’s right-footed strike went off the crossbar and in for a 1-1 tying goal.
Amario Cozier-Duberry put Middlesbrough ahead 2-1 only three minutes later before Berhalter scored his second goal of the afternoon. Callum Britain’s shot from inside of the Norwich City box deflected in off of Berhalter for a 3-1 Middlesbrough advantage.
Jovon Makama and Jacob Wright both scored for Norwich City in the second half to tie things up 3-3 but substitute Ashley Phillips came off the bench to deliver Middlesbrough’s winning tally.
Both Aidan Morris and Berhalter logged 90 minutes each in Hellberg’s set-up while Max Arfsten played 17 minutes off of the bench. Fellow American midfielder Rokas Pukstas did not feature for Boro.
“It was probably the most fun game that I’ve ever been apart of, it was end to end, it was so much quality and energy on both sides,” Berhalter said.
Middlesbrough’s busy September schedule continues on Tuesday at home against Millwall.
Jack McGlynn delivers missile for first Stoke City goal
Jack McGlynn didn’t have to wait long to celebrate his first goal for Stoke City.
McGlynn delivered a sensational right-footed finish to help the Potters earn a 2-1 road victory over Watford at Vicarage Road. The USMNT midfielder logged 90 minutes as he continues his early days abroad.
McGlynn showed great skill in the 18-yard box, cutting around a pair of Watford defenders before rifling a right-footed strike into the bottom-left corner for a 1-0 lead.
Eric Bocat doubled the Potters’ lead in the 57th minute, giving the visitors a cushion on the road.
Amin Nabizada pulled a late consolation goal back for Watford but Mark Robins’ squad would hang on for a third league victory of the summer.
Luca Bombino played 10 minutes off of the bench, joining McGlynn on the field late in the second half.
The Potters’ final league match before the international break comes at home on September 19 against Sheffield United.