The 26-year-old striker – who became eligible to play for the United States after earning his citizenship in March – was active from the outset, setting the tone for the pressure that would produce his goal. After the U.S. won possession on the left side, Jorge Villafaña laid a pass back to Joe Corona. The attacking midfielder’s shot caromed off Villafaña as he entered the penalty area, but Dwyer was perfectly positioned to volley home into the roof of the net before his trademark backflip celebration.

Dwyer had a standout season in the USL in 2013 with Orlando City SC on loan from Sporting Kansas City, as he scored 15 goals in the regular season to earn All-League First Team honors and a share of the league’s Golden Boot award. He then notched four goals in the USL Cup Final as the Lions claimed a 7-4 victory against the Charlotte Eagles in front of 20,886 fans at the Florida Citrus Bowl for their second championship. 

RELATED: Former USL Standout Dwyer Earns U.S. Selection

Dwyer’s first goal for the U.S. set off celebrations in the stands, and also on social media, where current and former teammates as well as U.S. internationals commemorated a special moment in Dwyer’s remarkable story.