It seems like a lifetime ago when we were on another roadtrip watching the exploits of a young Michael Bradley on the field. However, that day ended in tears for the midfielder as he watched his team’s playoff fortunes foiled and his father’s career as an MLS coach hastened towards its demise in the Swamp.

On Wednesday evening in front of a full house of drenched fans from around the country, we witnessed the emergence of a new USA star as he did his best imitation of man amongst boys despite being the youngest American on the field. You won’t need any detailed computer analysis of the match to determine that fact!

The one who saved the match in the third minute summed up Bradley’s contribution the best.

"I think he was fantastic, aside from the goals," U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard said of Bradley. "He was up and down the field, side to side, steaming into tackles, winning balls, collecting second balls, winning balls without fouling, which is important.

"He did everything right, and then obviously the goals were fantastic."

All the more reason to join the SE’s on a wee little roadtrip to the Azteca to see if young Michael can repeat his feat and plant his feet firmly in the pantheon of great American sports heroes!