Galaxy beats New York, 1-0, on Edson Buddle’s 13th goal of season
Edson Buddle scored his 13th goal of the year, and the Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the New York Red Bulls, 1-0, on Saturday at Red Bull Arena in Major League Soccer.
“I liked this game,” New York coach Hans Backe said. “It was probably one of the most intense games for us this season. One turnover cost us a goal, but I’m still rather happy with our performance. We didn’t overplay possession, and we played rather relaxed, and still created a number of chances. Once again, it’s a good sign for us that we can compete and control possession against a team like the Galaxy. Sorry for the result, but our performance I’m happy with.”
Buddle increased his MLS-high goals total in the 10th minute, and L.A. held on for its 11th shutout of the year.
“They were pretty good,” Galaxy attacker Landon Donovan said. “They looked like they were maybe a little tired, I know they played a game mid-week. They’re not a bad team, but obviously it’s going to take them time to gel. You can’t throw in a few new players like that and expect it to just happen overnight. They’re going to be good, they’re going to be around. They’re going to be in the playoffs, and if they put together a few good performances they can do well.”
Galaxy manager Bruce Arena was not on the sideline after spending Thursday and Friday nights in the hospital due to a viral infection, but did watch the game from a luxury suite.
Los Angeles (13-3-4) won its league-leading seventh road match, and handed New York (9-7-4) its first defeat in the Thierry Henry and Rafael Marquez era.
“They’re just both two smart players who can play really well off the ball,” Galaxy defender Omar Gonzales said. “If you’re not careful they can just run behind you because they always play off your shoulder and play on the line. It’s really tough going against a forward like that. They’re just a different class, and I think the backline did well today.”
L.A. nearly opened the scoring in the seventh minute, when Chris Birchall hit the crossbar. Buddle made up for the miss three minutes later, when he took a pass from Juninho and finished well to the right post.
Buddle made a nice first touch to open space against New York rookie defender Tim Ream, then slotted low to beat goalie Bouna Coundoul. Buddle has averaged nearly a goal per game with 13 in just 15 matches.
New York created its only good scoring chance in first-half injury time, when Juan Pablo Angel headed off the crossbar to just miss his 12th goal this year.
Buddle should have added his 14th goal early in the second half but, after the MLS leading scorer was set up for an easy finish by Landon Donovan, he slotted wide right from 10 yards with Coundoul at his mercy.
Henry had his best chance in the 68th minute for New York, but his shot at the upper-right sailed high.
Angel followed with another chance in the 72nd off a corner but his header was stopped by L.A. goalie Donovan Ricketts. Tim Ream’s rebound effort from an odd angle on the left was then deflected wide by a defender.
Donovan tried to match his stunning goal from the FIFA World Cup in a 2-2 draw against Slovenia when he broke in on the right side against New York, but this time found the side netting in the 83rd minute.
Buddle nearly sealed the match in stoppage time, but his low drive toward the left post was tipped around the bar by a diving Coundoul.
Ricketts made two saves for his 10th shutout of the year as L.A. ended a two- match winless streak. The Galaxy visit the San Jose Earthquakes on Aug. 21 in their next MLS match.
