Ruiz stars as Fulham beats visiting Bolton 2-0

LONDON (AP)—Costa Rica striker Bryan Ruiz scored one goal and set up another Saturday to give Fulham a 2-0 Premier League win over visiting Bolton.

United States international Clint Dempsey headed in a 32nd-minute opener from a cross by Ruiz, who chipped the ball over goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen just 66 seconds later to extend the west London side’s advantage.

Bolton played well in the second half but failed to find a way past the home side’s resolute defense and stays bottom of the Premier League.

The most prolific American scorer in England’s top division with 38 career goals, Dempsey has five Premier League goals this season and another three in other competitions.

Dempsey surpassed the record of 36 he shared with former Fulham striker Brian McBride when he scored in a 1-0 win over Liverpool on Dec. 5. He scored again Wednesday in a 2-2 Europa League draw with Odense and beat Dedryck Boyata to Ruiz’s right-wing cross to put Fulham ahead on Saturday.

“He scores so many goals,” Fulham manager Martin Jol said. “I’m very happy with him.”

The roles were reversed when the United States international passed to Ruiz, who showed composure and vision to lift the ball over the onrushing Jaaskelainen.

Bolton impressed in flashes after the break but was unable to avoid a 13th league defeat as Fulham held out for a seventh clean sheet of the campaign.