U.S. Star Michael Bradley Tallies His 1st Goal For AS Roma As They Beat Liverpool 2-1 At Fenway

New AS Roma and U.S. men's national team midfielder Michael Bradley picked a good time to bag his first goal for the Italian side.

In the States for their preseason tour of Chicago, Boston and New York, Bob Bradley's son scored the first goal of the night as AS Roma beat Liverpool 2-1 tonight in Football at Fenway 2012.

There was plenty to like about his performance since he played the entire way and scored a highlight reel goal for Roma. After a back-and-forth scoreless first half, the attacking was turned up a notch on both sides in the second half.

Bradley was able to break the deadlock in the 63rd minute as he was first to a loose ball on the right side of Liverpool's defensive box. With goalkeeper Brad Jones coming out to cut down the angle, Bradley hit a low, hard shot that bounced off the inside of the post and into the goal. That set off a huge celebration with his teammates and separately, the legion of Roma fans in the crowd.

Roma added another goal six minutes later before Liverpool pulled one back in the 80th minute for the final margin. Make no mistake though, Roma was the better side this evening. They could have won by two or three goals easily.

AS Roma manager Zdenek Zeman, who is renown for his attacking style, praised the American. He said, "Bradley played well, he's a hard-working guy."

That sentiment was also echoed by Roma midfielder Alessandro Florenzi who subbed in during the second half and scored what turned out to be the game-winner. He called Bradley "a great person with proper conduct off the pitch that always gives his best effort." Florenzi also noted that he liked watching Bradley at Chievo Verona (his last club in Seria A).

If tonight was any indication, one of the United States' top players appearrs destined to become a star overseas in Italy. He did not look out of place at all tonight at Fenway Park against some of the world's top players like Liverpool's Jamie Carragher, Joe Cole, Martin Skrtel, etc. Like Clint Dempsey at Fulham (England), Bradley is set to make his mark on European football which in turn will earn more respect for U.S. men's soccer globally.

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After Way Too Long, U.S. Men's Midfielder Michael Bradley Finally Signs With AS Roma

I can't tell you how much time I've wasted in the last few weeks frantically checking Twitter, espnsoccernet.com and cnnsi.com for any news about Michael Bradley going to AS Roma.

I had begun to worry that the transfer of the U.S. men's national team's best midfielder might not take place for some reason when I didn't read any new developments for way too long. Thankfully, I returned to my semi-sanity today as I found that it's finally official: Bradley signed a four-year deal worth 3.75 million Euros.

At only 24-years-old, the son of former U.S. men's head coach Bob Bradley and New Jersey native, has become one of the best American players of his generation. This move shows what people in Europe think about him as he should step in and start right away for a team that's not far removed from regular trips to the Champions League.

After bouncing around from Borussia Monchengladbach (Germany) and a loan spell at Aston Villa (England), Bradley found a true home at Chievo Verona (Italy, Serie A) last season where he made 34 league starts. He was clearly ready to take the next step in his development so that meant finding a better Italian club. I believe he stayed in Italy since that style of game (long possessions, controlled by the midfield, many passes and free kicks) best suited his improving skill set.

As a U.S. fan foremost, I'm happy to see Bradley go to a very solid club in one of the better leagues in the world. That can only be a good thing as he continues to strive for his peak form.

On a personal level, I'm extremely happy that he's going to Roma specifically since they play Liverpool a week from Wednesday night at Fenway Park-home of the Boston Red Sox-in a friendly. It looks like I will be able to cover that game too so I'm psyched to see one of my favorite U.S. men's players in action in my backyard.

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Mark Your Calendars: Liverpool vs. AS Roma, July 25 At Fenway Park

After knowing about this for months, Liverpool officially announced today that they will face AS Roma on Wednesday, July 25 at Fenway Park.

As any Boston Red Sox fan knows, the Red Sox owners John Henry and Tom Werner have owned Liverpool since 2010. With this year's 100th anniversary of Fenway, what better time to bring their two cash cows together for one night only.

Liverpool will be in the United States for 12 days this summer and they've already been slated for two exhibition matches. Big time European clubs often take U.S. tours (to improve the brand abroad) and Liverpool last appeared in North America in 2004 (NJ, CT and Toronto).

A group of four Boston executives closed a deal for Roma in August to become the first foreign majority owners of a Serie A club. New Roma president Thomas DiBenedetto is also a limited partner in the Fenway group.

"During its 100-year history, Fenway Park has hosted some of the best in athletic competition, and a match between Liverpool and Roma -- two of the world's most well-known and respected clubs -- is an appropriate way to ... showcase our ballpark to an international audience," Liverpool owner John Henry said.

The match also features the two teams that contested the 1984 European Cup final, which Liverpool won in a penalty shootout.

Liverpool is the fourth Premier League team to announce a preseason tour of the United States, following Chelsea, Tottenham and Aston Villa.

Boston will serve as Liverpool's base throughout the tour, and the team will train at Harvard University.

"Our goal is to create an unforgettable experience for our North American fans while building a lasting legacy for Liverpool here in the States," Liverpool chairman Tom Werner said.

I was lucky enough to get to cover Sporting vs. Celtic at Fenway two summers ago so I'm really hoping that I can get a credential for this one too. That first match was nice but admittedly, there aren't a ton of Portuguese or Scottish people in New England. However, Liverpool is a huge draw anywhere in the world and there are plenty of Italians (and wannabe guidos) in the immediate area-the North End might shut down for a few hours.

It couldn't come at a better time in the summer since by then, only Major League Baseball will be going on and the weather should be perfect. The Champions League, London Olympics (no U.S. men) and Euro 2012 will have all concluded by the time these squads make their way to Boston. Picturing Steven Gerrard, Pepe Reina, Luis Suarez and Co. at Fenway is pretty cool, this is going to be a can't miss event for local soccer fans who want a taste of European soccer and crowds.

UPDATE 3/30: Liverpool will play Tottenham on July 28 in Baltimore at M&T Bank Stadium. Tottenham plays the LA Galaxy on July 24 and the New York Red Bulls on July 31.

Chelsea and Aston Villa also have U.S. tours. The 2012-13 EPL season starts on August 18.

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