Goals from Joshua King, Callum Wilson and Marc Pugh helped to ensure that Premier League newcomers Bournemouth secured a 4-1 pre-season victory over the Philadelphia Union this morning.
Bournemouth started promisingly with a strong starting XI, and they soon put themselves ahead after King found himself with just enough time and space in the box to chip the on-rushing John McCarthy.
The Cherries continued to impress in the opening half, and their lead was soon doubled when Wilson profited from King's profligacy to side-foot home.
The Union grabbed themselves a lifeline just before half time thanks to Richie Marquez, who broke past his defender to head beyond a helpless Artur Boruc in the Bournemouth goal.
Eddie Howe's men started the second half brightly and they soon restored their two-goal advantage as Tokelo Rantie cut the ball back for Pugh, who curled a neat finish past McCarthy.
Going into the closing phase of the game, Pugh tried to turn provider for Rantie, but he could only guide his attempt into the side-netting with little over 15 minutes to play.
The miss was not to bother Rantie too much, given that he was presented with a penalty just before the final whistle, which he dispatched adroitly past McCarthy to leave the final score at 4-1.
Christopher Dodd
