U.S. captain Carlos Bocanegra made his debut for Saint-Etienne in Saturday's 3-1 loss at Paris Saint-Germain in the opener of the French Ligue 1 season.
Acquired from Rennes last month, Bocanegra started at left back and played the entire game. Mevlut Erding, Stephane Sessegnon and Nene scored for PSG, while Dimitri Payet tied it at 1 for Saint-Etienne.
PSG fans from the kop of Boulogne threw flares outside the Parc des Princes before the game to protest a decision that prevents them regrouping in their Boulogne stand. Police forces quickly arrived at the scene and dispersed the supporters.
Marseille made a disappointing start in the defense of its French league title with a 2-1 home loss to newly promoted Caen, which got a go-ahead goal from Youssef El Arabi on a header in the 87th minute.
American forward Charlie Davies, who returned in preseason matches following injuries sustained in an October car crash, didn't dress for Sochaux as it defeated visiting Arles-Avignon 2-1.
Lyon forward Bafetimbi Gomis collapsed early in the game but quickly regained consciousness and was able to keep playing in a 0-0 draw against visiting Monaco. Gomis already had a blackout while training with the France team two years ago.
