Richardson Lifts England Over U.S.

Even a second-rate England squad was too much for the United States to handle.

Midfielder Kieran Richardson scored twice in his first appearance for England on Saturday, leading his short-handed nation to a 2-1 victory over the U.S. in the teams’ first meeting in more than a decade.

The loss was the Americans’ first on U.S. soil in more than two years. Clint Dempsey prevented it from being a shutout with his first goal for the national team late in the second half.

“Down 2-0 at the half, they could have really embarrassed themselves. But they hung in there and showed pride,” U.S. Coach Bruce Arena said. “I told our young players, these experiences, they’ve got to benefit from.”

They’re going to have to, because the next couple of games count. While England flies to New Jersey for another exhibition against Colombia, the Americans will prepare for World Cup qualifying matches against Costa Rica next Saturday and Panama on June 8.

“We played fairly well,” Galaxy midfielder Landon Donovan said. “They finished chances. We didn’t. I had a couple of good chances. We need to get more chances. We have to make the plays.”

When U.S. defender Eddie Pope fouled Andy Johnson in the fourth minute, Richardson took the free kick and made a beautiful curving shot that was just out of reach of diving U.S. goalkeeper Kasey Keller for a 1-0 England lead.

In the 44th minute, Pope whiffed as he tried to knock down the ball on a throw-in, and Joe Cole darted in to collect the ball. He made a perfect pass to a wide-open Richardson and, without missing a stride, the rookie took a shot from about the penalty mark to give England a 2-0 lead.

“He had a great free kick and the finish on the second goal,” Arena said of the 20-year-old. “Give him credit. It was a bit of a quiet day and he walks away with two goals. I could use a quiet player like that on my team.”