Boca Makes EPL Debut 19/01/04
After signing for Fulham of the English Premier League six days ago, Carlos Bocanegra made his debut for the Whites on Monday evening in the 3-1 loss to Newcastle.
The former Chicago Fire defender had pointed to playing against the world’s best as one reason he made the move to the Premiership and his first task was to help shut down one of those players, Alan Shearer.
And while the England legend did not find the back of the net, the game was well in hand for the home side after 55 minutes on goals from Andy O'Brien, Gary Speed and a highlight strike from Laurent Robert.
Despite the score line and the inability of the defense to disrupt set plays (the first two goals came on re-starts), Bocanegra had a solid debut at left back, looking comfortable on the ball and helping to start the late scoring effort.
The loss drops Fulham to 7th on the table, but within striking range of a spot in Europe next season. Chris Coleman’s side returns to Loftus Road where they will face a fellow U.S. international, Kasey Keller of Tottenham.
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