Eric Lichaj picked quite the time to record the first brace of his professional career — and did so in spectacular fashion, to boot.
The U.S. national team defender scored a pair of first-half goals — including a stunning volley from 18 yards out — in Nottingham Forest's third-round FA Cup clash with Arsenal on Sunday.
It was the first two-goal game for Lichaj, who entered the match with just seven goals over 254 appearances in all competitions playing for Aston Villa, Lincoln City, Leyton Orient, Leeds United and Forest.
As Forest lined up a 20th-minute free kick Sunday at City Ground, the 29-year-old right back made a run toward David Ospina's goalmouth and headed home a Kieran Dowell service from point-blank range to open the scoring.