Galaxy 3 Union 1
Hot-shot Edson Buddle: nine goals in six games – and counting (AP Photos).
Phil Collin filed the game story.
The Galaxy were in control of this one from the outset and the red card in the first half for the Union pretty much sealed this one well before the final whistle.
Landon Donovan and the Galaxy left the Union in their wake Saturday.
Edson Buddle is looking like an international class striker in full command of his powers, unbelievably peaking at just the right moment for his career and perhaps for his country.
In some respects this was a contained Galaxy performance again showing a quiet efficiency that is becoming a hallmark of the season punctuated by moments of power and speed.
Landon Donovan had a relatively quiet time in midfield early on observed one colleague, yet swept by a trio of Union players en route to creating Buddle’s second as if to illustrate the difference in class and experience.
UCLA product Michael Stephens upped his performance from his debut, this time claiming two assists and working diligently in midfield.
I barely noticed Gregg Berhalter, which is just what you want to see – or not see – from a 30-something central defender.
A.J. DeLaGarza deserved his first Galaxy goal of the season and often looked good going forward.
Alan Gordon’s diving header from the set piece that led to Buddle’s first goal showed exactly the attributes he must exploit more to maximize his offensive productivity.
Omar Gonzalez was again largely excellent, with the exception of getting caught in possession in the second half, a lazy lapse the Union punished by scoring their consolation goal from the turn-over.
Here’s more from A.J. DeLaGarza:
Notable: Clint Mathis played his first game in a Galaxy uniform since 2000 when he came on Saturday night as a second half sub.
Quotable: “Maybe his best play was an assist,” said Bruce Arena of Edson Buddle’s evening.
Galaxy lineup: Donovan Ricketts; Todd Dunivant, Gregg Berhalter, Omar Gonzalez, A.J. DeLaGarza; Chris Birchall, Landon Donovan, Juninho (Alex Cazumba 62′), Michael Stephens; Alan Gordon (Clint Mathis 70′), Edson Buddle (Tristan Bowen 74′).
Next: at Colorado Wednesday and Seattle Saturday.
Updated:
Kyle Nakazawa, who grew up in Palos Verdes Estates and played at UCLA and was given his MLS debut Saturday, produced perhaps Philly’s best attacking moment up until that point with a blistering second half free kick and then promptly got himself his inaugural MLS yellow card.
Coach Peter Nowak said it was his intention to start Nakazawa Tuesday in their U.S. Open Cup tie and again Saturday against the Galaxy, but he got sick earlier in the week.
Still, Nowak likes what he sees:
“Kyle is progressing well. … He’s got bite. Physically he’s very mature. He sees the plays. He sees the openings. He’s got a good shot. The package is there.”
I talked to Nakazawa in the locker room after the game to see how he’s adjusting to the East Coast lifestyle. (Annoyingly, the batteries ran out on my digital recorder and I lost the recording).
Kyle (who hasn’t tried a Philly cheesestake sandwich yet) shares a place with former UCLA goalkeeper Brian Perk and Sebastien Le Toux, , said the biggest thing he misses is – the Pacific Ocean.
