Tim Weah puts USA on scoreboard early
The U.S. men’s national soccer team is back.
And the Americans wasted no time getting back into the World Cup, as winger Tim Weah scored off a pass from Christian Pulisic in the 36th minute of its opening match Monday against Wales to give the team its first goal in the event in eight years. The last American to score in the World Cup was Julian Green in 2014.
Here is what to know about the 22year-old forward from Rosedale, New York:
Where does Weah play?
Weah plays in France for Lille in Ligue 1. Before joining Lille in 2019, he was on loan with Celtic in Scotland.
He began his career with Paris SaintGermain, as apart of its training academy before joining the senior squad in 2018.
Is this Weah’s first World cup?
Yes. Weah made his debut with the USMNT in March 2018, becoming the first player born in the 2000s to make an appearance with the senior team. He scored his first goal two months later.
He is the first person in his family to play in the World Cup, as his father did not.
Who is Weah’s father?
Weah comes from soccer royalty. And actual royalty ... sort of.
His father, George, won FIFA World Player of the Year and the Ballon d’Or in 1995, when he played for Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan. George was born in Liberia. After his career ended in 2003, George went into a career in politics and is now the president of Liberia.
Who is Weah’s cousin?
His cousin, Jester, was a college wide receiver for the Pitt Panthers from 201417. He now plays for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League.
What other history did Weah make?
Not only did Weah become the first player to score for the U.S., but he became the first American born in the 2000s to score in the World Cup.
He is also the first person since Pele in 1958 to score against Wales in a World Cup match.