When the Philadelphia Union visit The Home Depot Center on Saturday, the Galaxy’s offense will try to take advantage of one of the league’s leakiest defenses.
The only concern – if it is one – is that Edson Buddle is the only one scoring goals.
If there’s chance the Galaxy could get a goal or two from another player, it stands to reason that it will happen against Philadelphia. The Union are facing problems most expansion teams have faced, with a porous defense trying to come together in a hurry. Philadelphia’s backline has allowed eight goals in four games, and the Galaxy are eager to exploit that.
“Obviously, a team that’s given up goals, you’ve got to attack them from that aspect,” Galaxy forward/midfielder Mike Magee said. “Having said, that we’ve done well to score goals in every game. Obviously the last game we didn’t do well against Kansas City, but we’re going to look to press at home.”
Another factor the Galaxy will have in facing the Union is their upcoming eight-day stretch. The Galaxy will sandwich games against Philadelphia and Seattle (at Qwest Field on May 8) around a match at Colorado (Wednesday at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park).
“This is coming down a tough stretch – three games in a week – so we’re going to want to get three points in the first one,” Magee said.
Would the Galaxy be more dangerous if someone other than Buddle scored? Magee doesn’t quite see it that way.
“Edson’s finishing every chance he’s had. He’s finishing goals in like, the sixth minute,” Magee insisted. “It’s not like we’re not finishing and he’s rescuing us. He’s scoring early and often, so we’re not too worried about it.”
The Galaxy have four wins and a draw in five games, have allowed one goal and are playing strong on both sides of the ball. According to Magee, those bent on creating negative criticism of the club are forced to dig deep this days, and often resort to create negative scenarios.
“We’re in first place in the league right now. Obviously people need something to say,” Magee said. “When you’re winning games and one guy is scoring all the goals, that’s the only thing they can really pick on.”
