Throwback Thursday: Michael Bradley’s half volley helps the USMNT beat Scotland

It was a muggy night in Jacksonville on May 26, 2012 when the United States took on Scotland in a Memorial Day weekend friendly. While the USMNT would win 5-1, powered by a Landon Donovan hat trick, the play of the night belonged to Michael Bradley and his right foot.

In the 11th minute, with the USMNT already up 1-0, they were once again pushing the ball forward. As they entered the final third, Donovan had the ball on the right side looking for someone in the middle. Finding Jermaine Jones, he sent a cross towards the German-American.

Alongside Jones was Bradley, and instead of trying to corral the ball, Jones instead trapped the ball as a pass to Bradley in open field. Bradley let the ball hit the ground once and then, from about 35 yards, unleashed an incredible, screaming half volley that curled to the right and off the post into the net past Scotland goalkeeper Allen McGregor.

It sent the crowd of 44,438 into ecstasy as Bradley ran to the corner flag to celebrate. It remains one of Bradley’s finest goals in the red, white, and blue, and those who were there won’t soon forget the night Bradley sent a knuckle curve past the Scotland defense.