Football
Associated Press 5y

U.S. youth Charlie Kelman scores from own half in pro debut in England

United States youth international 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.

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."

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."

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