Gracia starts reign in style as Leeds beat Southampton 1-0
LEEDS, England (AP) — Junior Firpo scored the only goal as new manager Javi Gracia launched his Leeds reign in style with a win over fellow struggler Southampton in the English Premier League. The Elland Road club’s first win since Dec. 26 enabled the team to climb out of the bottom three. Scoring chances were rare until Firpo struck in the 77th minute when he shot low under Saints goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu to claim his first league goal. Leeds midfielders Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie and Brenden Aaronson became the first trio of Americans to start together for a club in the league since Fulham goalkeeper Kasey Keller, midfielder Clint Dempsey and striker Brian McBride at Portsmouth in May 2008.