After two games of the 2009 MLS season, the Galaxy were still searching for their identity.
The new-look club was still trying to piece things together, but things weren’t going that well. The Galaxy tied D.C. United 2-2 and lost to Colorado 3-2 after two games, both at home.
After two games this season, the club is miles ahead of that point a year ago. Two shutout victories have given LA a near-perfect start and their six points are a far better haul compared to 2009.
“You obviously can’t ask for a better start than that,” Galaxy defender Todd Dunivant said.
Scoring goals has thus far been Edson Buddle’s responsibility -- he has bagged all three of the season thus far. Setting them up has been Landon Donovan’s job -- he has assisted on all three of Buddle’s goals.
But Dunivant said the defense has been a big reason for the club’s success.
“We defended well again [against Chivas USA], got another shutout and you’re going to be tough to beat when you don’t give up goals,” he said.
The Galaxy ended the 2009 season just narrowly missing out on the title, bowing out to Real Salt Lake in penalty kicks at MLS Cup ’09 in Seattle. But the team had to improve by leaps and bounds to reach that point.
Early last season, the Galaxy were struggling for any sort of success. Their first win didn't come until May 2, a 1-0 victory over New York. The next one, however, didn't follow until June 6 vs. Toronto FC.
By the first day of April of this year, the Galaxy had two wins and six points. It’s the start the club dreamed and it is matched only by the New York Red Bulls.
“I try to meditate on starting this way for it to actually happen and it’s just a blessing,” Buddle said. “You’ve got to visualize. You’ve got to have that dream and it’s starting the way I wanted it too.”
The Galaxy now face a challenge to maintain their hot streak. On Saturday, Los Angeles travels to Houston before returning home to play MLS Cup champions Real Salt Lake on April 17.
“We’ve learned how to win which is very important,” Dunivant said. “You can’t underestimate that, and we know we can be a lot better. We’ll continue to improve but the basis of the work rate and having an understanding of knowing how to win is very important.”
