Cameron Carter-Vickers and Celtic look destined to capture the Scottish Premiership title later this Spring, but first the American defender and his teammates picked up their first trophy of the new season on Sunday.

Carter-Vickers played 90 minutes in Sunday’s 2-1 Scottish League Cup Finals victory over Rangers at Hampden Park. It was Celtic’s 10th victory in a row in all competitions, and their 18th-consecutive result without defeat in all competitions.

The 25-year-old defender continued his stellar partnership with Swedish international Carl Starfelt and helped frustrate a Rangers offensive attack for majority of the match. Kyoto Furuhashi’s goal in the 44th minute broke the deadlock for Ange Postecoglou’s squad as the Japan international tucked his shot away before halftime.

Furuhashi doubled his tally and Celtic’s lead in the 56th minute as he capped off a dominant attack by slotting home his 24th goal in all competitions this season.

Alfredo Morelos bundled a goal back for Rangers in the 64th minute, but it would be the best chance for Michael Beale’s squad to turn things around.

Carter-Vickers and the Celtic backline held firm for the remainder of the match, hanging on for a first League Cup triumph since 2019. The U.S. men’s national team centerback has been stellar for Celtic this season, making 31 appearances in all competitions for the current league leaders.

Fellow USMNT player Malik Tillman played 65 minutes for Rangers while James Sands did not dress in the match.

Celtic resumes league play on March 5 at St. Mirren before facing Hearts on back-to-back occasions in league and Scottish Cup play.