McBride Gets Winner in Debut for Fulham

Brian McBride is back scoring goals in England.

In his first match Saturday with Fulham of the English Premier League, the former Columbus Crew striker scored the winner in the 67th minute, beating goalkeeper Kasey Keller, his United States teammate, for a 2-1 victory over Tottenham.

Last season, McBride filled in on loan from Major League Soccer for two months at Everton, scoring four goals in eight matches.

“Sure, it’s an ideal start,” McBride said. “The real ideal part is winning the game, and the goal is an added bonus.”

Lurking in the box, McBride scored after Keller made the initial save off a header from English teammate Ian Pearce.

“I was able to make the save and then, unfortunately, it fell right on Brian’s foot,” Keller said.

Few English games have had a stronger American flavor than the windy, rain-drenched showdown before 17,024 at Loftus Road stadium in west London.

One of the first to congratulate McBride after his goal was Fulham’s American defender, Carlos Bocanegra. The former UCLA and Chicago Fire standout joined Fulham in January.

“He [McBride] is good in the air and he’s strong enough to hold people off and hold the ball,” Bocanegra said. “One thing I know about Brian is he’s really fit and he’s a tough guy to cover in the box.”