FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Just like he had so many times before – from college through the pros – Kelyn Rowe marched onto the field alongside his teammates on Saturday night, put his hand over his heart, and sang the national anthem.

But this time was different.

This time, Rowe wasn’t wearing the red, white and blue of the New England Revolution. For the first time at the full international level, he was wearing the stars and stripes of the United States.

“You hear the anthem before each game with the Revolution, but it’s a little different when your hand is over the crest,” said Rowe, who made more than 175 appearances with the Revs before getting his first crack with the senior national team. “There was a lot of excitement. I found myself smiling as I was singing the anthem.”

Rowe’s chance finally came on Saturday night when the 25-year-old started and played 62 minutes on the right wing in the USMNT’s 2-1 friendly win over Ghana. The Revs’ utility man played his part, too, drawing the foul that led to Kellyn Acosta’s game-winning free kick.

With a debut under his belt, Rowe – along with fellow Revolution teammate Juan Agudelo, who didn’t see action against Ghana – turns his attention to the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which the Americans begin next Saturday night with their group opener against Panama.

Rowe hopes to play his part in bringing home a regional crown, but for one memorable night in East Hartford, Connecticut, he was simply soaking up the realization of a childhood dream.

“I’m looking forward to the fight this week, and hopefully get in the team again,” Rowe said. “It’s just honor and excitement. I’ve been waiting for this for a long time. It’s been a goal of mine since I turned pro to make this team, so to get the first nod in the first game is incredible.”