Today, it’s not the MLS standings that are important.

It’s not about a rematch with former Galaxy coach Sigi Schmid’s Seattle Sounders, comprehensively defeated 4-0 by LA in the Pacific Northwest in May.

The 7:30 p.m. game at Home Depot Center (live on ESPN2) is all about the return of Galaxy striker Edson Buddle and midfielder Landon Donovan from World Cup duty where hopefully they will demonstrate to U.S. Coach Bob Bradley just why they should have been given more playing time together in South Africa.

And yes, fireworks are guaranteed.

Here’s more from the Sounders’ perspective on the return of Buddle and Donovan: