Columbus Crew striker Jason Garey has spoken about the experience of playing and scoring against West Ham United.
The 24-year-old from Los Angeles connected with a stunning 20th-minute header on Sunday past England goalkeeper Robert Green and enjoyed a competitive contest with Anton Ferdinand. His goal levelled the scores at 1-1 after Dean Ashton had struck a superb opener but Alan Curbishley's side forced their way to a 3-1 victory through an own goal and a fierce strike from Kyel Reid.
Garey was not too downbeat at the final whistle and enjoyed reliving the moment when he leapt high to meet Corey Elenio's right-wing cross and power the ball beyond Green. "That was a Premier League goal," Garey said with a smile. "We watch those kind of goals every weekend in the Premier League and for it to come in a great game against players like Ferdinand and Green is pretty special. They are great players and have played internationally."
A Liverpool fan because his grandmother hails from the city, Garey said the strike was extra special because of his English connection. "They were pretty excited over there [in Liverpool]," said Garey. "It was such a great challenge to play against these guys, we watch them play on TV all the time. It was really fun to get out there and play with them.
"I was talking to Ferdinand during the game and he was saying the coach really wants them to get their fitness up. I was wondering why they were still out there after the game but they were focused." He also had particular praise for the West Ham United strikers. "Dean Ashton is a class forward. That goal he took with the spin and the shot was very well taken. It was absolutely amazing to watch Craig Bellamy and the runs he makes and the way he plays. I will watch the video and try and learn some more.
"People have said MLS it is similar to the first division in England. It seems like that. These guys are obviously a step up above us but we were in the game for part of it. I know they were only in pre-season but we didn't have our full lineup either. It was a great game. It is exciting to play those kinds of games and see how you stack up against teams from other leagues."
Garey has hopes one day of making it across the Atlantic. The hopes of US-based players were boosted by Curbishley, who believed that many more of his compatriots would soon be heading to England. "You are going to see more American players coming into the Premier League, that is for sure because they have got all the attributes. They are fit, they understand the aggression, the work-rate and when they set their minds to any sport they are going to do well."