In the lineup for Costa Rican Bryan Ruiz in the attacking midfield position, Fulham youngster Pajtim Kasami connected on a corner to open the scoring at the Stadium of Light in the 52nd minute.
On the heels of a scoreless first half, Damien Duff powered a corner to the far post, and Kasami out-muscled Sunderland defender Valentin Roberge to get a head on the ball and put it past goalkeeper Kieren Westwood.
Ruiz has just recently returned from international duty, so he was replaced by Kasami in the starting lineup for the season opener.
Jozy Altidore remains goalless, but he’s working hard to link up with fellow new signing Emanuele Giaccherini to get Sunderland on the board.