McBride's Goal Against Portsmouth

On This Day in 2005, Fulham Earned Its First Win in Five League Matches Thanks to an American Spark off the Bench

When Brian McBride arrived at Craven Cottage on January 31, 2004, few could have predicted the American striker's immediate impact on Fulham's fortunes. The London club had secured his signature from MLS for a reported $1.5 million (£800,000). McBride left behind his status as Columbus Crew's all-time leading scorer to test himself in the Premier League on a two-and-a-half-year contract.

The stakes were exceptionally high when McBride joined Fulham. As a 31-year-old striker with previous European experience at Preston North End, Everton and VfL Wolfsburg, expectations were tempered. Yet the American made an immediate impression, coming off the bench to score the winning goal in a 2-1 victory against Tottenham Hotspur on his debut—ironically beating fellow U.S. international Kasey Keller in goal.

McBride's first year at Fulham proved his worth, as he netted five goals in 18 appearances during the second half of the 2003-04 season. His steady scoring continued into the 2004-05 campaign, though manager Chris Coleman often deployed McBride as an impact substitute rather than a regular starter—a decision that would prove crucial on April 3rd at Craven Cottage.

The relegation battle intensified as Fulham prepared to face Portsmouth. Both sides had not won in five Premier League matches, and Fulham had failed to score in their previous four games across all competitions. The tension was palpable among the Cottagers' faithful, who had grown increasingly frustrated with Coleman's defensive 4-5-1 formation. They even chanted "4-4-2, 4-4-2" during their previous home game, a dull 0-0 draw with Charlton.

Coleman acknowledged the pressure but remained defiant about his tactical approach. "I will be changing the formation for this game. Not because of what the crowd or anyone outside the camp have been saying," he insisted before the match. "If you are not strong enough to pick the team you want and the formation you want, then you shouldn't be a manager."

The match began ominously for Fulham as Portsmouth took the lead in the 32nd minute through Lomana LuaLua, who skipped past defenders Zat Knight and Moritz Volz before unleashing a 15-yard shot that gave goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar no chance. Despite earning a penalty just before halftime when Dejan Stefanovic handled Andy Cole's cross, Steed Malbranque's spot-kick was saved by Jamie Ashdown, who also denied Luis Boa Morte's follow-up attempt.

Coleman sent his team out for the second half with renewed purpose. The breakthrough finally came on the hour mark when Cole slotted home the equalizer from the center of the penalty area. Then came McBride's moment.

Having just returned from international duty with the United States—where he had played in a World Cup qualifying loss to Mexico—McBride was introduced as a substitute for Claus Jensen in the 57th minute. The American's impact was immediately apparent, allowing Boa Morte to shift to his natural position on the left flank.

In the 81st minute, McBride capitalized on poor defending when Arjan de Zeeuw's attempted header back to his goalkeeper fell short. Ever alert, McBride pounced on the loose ball and acrobatically volleyed a 15-yard shot over the stranded Ashdown to give Fulham a precious 2-1 lead.

"He didn't start because he has just had a long flight back from America and couldn't have played the full 90 minutes," Coleman explained afterward. "But when I play with two strikers, Brian is always at the front of my mind because he works well with Andy Cole."

McBride's goal transformed the mood at Craven Cottage. Boa Morte sealed the victory in stoppage time by robbing Linvoy Primus before rounding Ashdown to make it 3-1. The win lifted Fulham above Portsmouth to 14th, opening a crucial six-point gap between themselves and the relegation zone.

After the match, a typically modest McBride deflected praise despite his match-winning contribution. "I always want to be out there on the field, but I have great respect for the coach and his decisions. Wherever he decides I'll be, I'll be. I'm not going to cause any problems. It's a team sport," the American said, who was back on the pitch minutes after the final whistle, playing with his two daughters.

The victory was a turning point for Fulham, who would ultimately secure Premier League survival comfortably. McBride finished the 2004-05 season with nine goals in all competitions before scoring 10 the following campaign. For McBride, the goal against Portsmouth was more than just a crucial win in a relegation battle—it cemented his status as a reliable performer who could deliver in the most pressurized moments, whether as a starter or from the bench.

Coleman, whose relief was palpable at the final whistle, remained cautious despite the win. "This was an important step forward, but I don't see it as breathing space for us," he said. "We need to build on this win, and I will not let my players relax." For Fulham and McBride, the journey to Premier League stability was only beginning, but the American striker had once again proven his worth at the highest level of English football.