CARSON, Calif. - Edson Buddle has not scored a goal since the LA Galaxy’s regular-season opener and has seen his share of the bench in recent games.
However, that does not mean the Galaxy striker’s contributions have been few and far between. Buddle’s work rate in games has been high and a refreshed Buddle figures to be a factor in the Galaxy’s match against FC Dallas on Saturday.
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“He had a couple of weeks where I think his energy was down a little bit and Bruce (Arena) gave him a game off and he looks a little bit refreshed,” Galaxy captain Landon Donovan said.
In the Galaxy’s match against Sporting KC on April 7, Buddle was taken out just 11 minutes into the second half. Against Portland the following week, he played only the final 23 minutes.
However, against the Rapids a week ago, Buddle was once again in the starting lineup and did what he does well when he’s not scoring goals.
“He does a lot of work up there and doesn’t get a lot of credit,” Donovan said. “The last couple of games he hasn’t scored but he does a lot of work and it takes a toll on your body. Inside this team we know how valuable that is.”
Buddle’s sluggish start likely had to do with the entire team misfiring in March and early April.
“We weren't playing well the first few games so it was difficult for our forwards. It was difficult for the players that were coming into the team to get going because we weren’t playing well and the balls weren’t getting to them,” Galaxy midfielder David Beckham said. “Edson is always going to be a player who is going to be a danger for any team in this league.”
Luis Bueno covers the LA Galaxy for MLSsoccer.com and can be reached by email at buenodad@gmail.com.
