Weston McKennie’s spectacular first-half strike helped Juventus clinch a crucial 2-1 victory in the first leg of its Champions League playoff against PSV on Tuesday. The USMNT midfielder smashed the ball home from the edge of the penalty area in the 34th minute to put his team in front as it bids to reach the round of 16 for the first time in three seasons.

Juventus manager Thiago Motta heaped praise on Weston McKennie after Tuesday's 2-1 win over PSV, calling the American midfielder "special."

Juventus was getting frustrated by PSV Eindhoven’s gritty defending when Weston McKennie broke the deadlock in style in their Champions League playoff.

That American was none other than Weston James Earl McKennie, the son of a U.S. Air Force officer, who spent a good portion of his early years growing up in Germany, where he honed his footballing prowess and even turned down a scholarship offer to play at the University of West Virginia. Surely he knew that his time to go pro was closing in fast.

USMNT midfielder Weston McKennie scored a stunning goal in the first half of the UEFA Champions League's knockout between Juventus and PSV at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, with the American international opening the score at the minute 34 of the first leg.

Juventus coach Thiago Motta admits Kenan Yildiz’s substitution was a ‘technical choice’ and praises ‘special’ Weston McKennie: ‘He’s a top-level player who can play

Weston McKennie has been lauded by Juventus head coach Thiago Motta following his stunning strike in their 2-1 Champions League win over Dutch side PSV on Tuesday