OPENING DAY IN THE BUNDESLIGA is usually a time to rejoice for American soccer fans, but once the Saturday lineups were announced, things looked a bit bleak.

Michael Parkhurst did not make the 18 for Augsburg.

Timothy Chandler was on the bench for Nuremberg.

And even Fabian Johnson, an established first-team player for Hoffenheim, could not crack the Starting XI.

But John Anthony Brooks, the six-foot-four German-American who plays for Hertha Berlin, started in central defense today. And he scored a goal. Take a look.

Brooks' strike came in the 32nd minute, and helped Hertha Berlin to a dominant 5-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt.

Brooks is expected to join the United States men's soccer team in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina early next week in preparation for a friendly match on Wednesday. His start, and his goal, are a good omen for both the player and rabid American supporters.

What do you think of the goal? Do you want to see Brooks start on Wednesday? Share your thoughts below.