The United States defeated Italy for the first time in history this afternoon on the strength of a goal from Clint Dempsey. Sure, the Italians dominated the Americans in 11 previous meetings over a 78-year span, and today’s game in Genoa was just a friendly. It still feels good.

Dempsey’s heroics in the 55th minute, combined with goalkeeper Tim Howard’s shutout, helped the U.S. walk away on the right side of a game Italy practically dominated in terms of possession. Winning ugly and, well, with a little luck is still winning.