WATCH: U.S Youth International Charlie Kelman Scores From Own Half in Pro Debut in England
![WATCH: U.S Youth International Charlie Kelman Scores From Own Half in Pro Debut in England WATCH: U.S Youth International Charlie Kelman Scores From Own Half in Pro Debut in England](https://www.si.com/.image/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/MTY4MDA3MDQwMjMwNjk2MzIw/charlie_kelman_goaljpg.jpg)
LONDON (AP) U.S. youth team player Charlie Kelman scored from inside his own half on his professional debut in England.
Playing for Southend in the third-tier League One, Kelman lobbed the Plymouth goalkeeper in the second minute of stoppage time. But it wasn't enough to prevent Southend losing 3-2 on Saturday.
Manager Chris Powell says Kelman ''was a real livewire for us and obviously he's scored a wonderful goal.''
It evoked memories of David Beckham's strike for Manchester United from the halfway line at Crystal Palace in 1996.
US U-18 international Charlie Kelman with a ridiculous goal from over half line today for Southend United.
— D.J. Switzer (@wrongsideofpond) January 13, 2019
His professional debut.#USMNT pic.twitter.com/HImR1vT8LE
The 17-year-old Kelman tweeted thanks to the club ''for believing in me and giving me this opportunity at such a young age I couldn't be more grateful I won't stop here.''
Thank you for all the support , tonight are what dreams are made of thank you to everyone at @SUFCRootsHall from the Academy staff to the first team staff for believing in me and giving me this opportunity , this is only the beginning 🍤🔵 pic.twitter.com/V2HmQmFQPX
— Charlie Kelman (@CharlieKelman0) November 14, 2018
Kelman, who was born in the county of Essex near London, played last year for the United States Under-18s.
After being called up by U.S. Soccer, Kelman said ''my dad is an American citizen and I lived out there for six years so that's how I qualify.''