Brian McBride's 43rd minute header gave the United States a 1-0 victory over Latvia Sunday as the Americans wrapped up their three-match pre-World Cup "send-off Series".
In the 18th minute, McBride banged heads with Latvian defender Deniss Ivanovs and instantly developed a golf ball-sized welt on his forehead. He came off the pitch but returned almost immediately to great cheers from the crowd at Rentschler Field.
Less than 25 minutes later, McBride put his head to good use, firing a cross from defender Steve Cherundolo past Latvian goalkeeper Aleksandrs Kolinko.
McBride last scored in Team USA's one previous contest here, a 1-0 triumph over Trinidad and Tobago in a World Cup qualifier on August 17.
The United States controlled play through most of the match, but goalkeeper Kasey Keller was called on to save a header from second-half substitute Girts Karlsons in second-half injury time to preserve the victory.
The Americans will have to be more opportunistic in their World Cup opener against the second-ranked Czech Republic in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, on June 12. In their other Group E matches, the United States will play world football giants Italy on June 17 and African debutants Ghana on June 22. In their final Stateside preparation matches, the USA lost 1-0 to Morocco and beat Venezuela 2-0 before notching Sunday's win.
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