Robben’s Goal Lifts Chelsea

Chelsea’s Arjen Robben scored in the 13th minute to lead the English Premier League champions past AC Milan, 1-0, Sunday night in the first of a series of exhibition games in the United States.

The teams played in front of 26,208 in Gillette Stadium. Italian powerhouse Milan will play the host Chicago Fire on Wednesday, and Chelsea will play D.C. United on Thursday in Washington.

Chelsea’s Frank Lampard and Hernan Crespo had good scoring chances in the first half, and Carlton Cole’s shot from close range missed high in the 48th minute.

“This is the Chelsea of last season,” Coach Jose Mourinho said. “We were more confident and had more quality in attacking situations. We should have scored more goals.”

Robben left-footed a shot into the lower right side of the net from 14 yards, converting a pass from Claude Makelele.

Milan’s best scoring chance came in the 39th minute, but Chelsea cleared the ball off the goal line out of a scramble shot by Clarence Seedorf.

Chelsea substituted all but three starters to begin the second half.

Milan and Chelsea will play again July 31 at East Rutherford, N.J.