Much like his goals for the Los Angeles Galaxy, Edson Buddle’s personal accomplishments in 2010 just keep on coming.
Buddle set records at both the team and league level by piling up seven goals in the first five games of the season and nabbed the attention of US National Team coach Bob Bradley. Then he was selected for the US World Cup training camp, made the squad and played in two World Cup games.
And now Buddle has received yet another individual honor. The Galaxy forward was named to the First XI ahead of the MLS All-Star Game, July 28 in Houston. Buddle and the All-Stars will take on Manchester United in perhaps the most anticipated MLS All-Star game yet.
“[My teammates] definitely helped,” Buddle said of the Galaxy, who had four players named to the First XI. “There was a collective group. Everyone fights each and every game to be in the position we’re in. I’m very happy for my teammates as well as myself for going to the All-Star game.”
With 84 career goals, Buddle now ranks fifth all-time in scoring among active players and eighth overall, four goals behind Roy Lassiter.
Last year, however, Buddle had just five goals for LA in a season marred by injury. But after an offseason dedicated to fitness, Buddle was able to overcome the injuries and entered the 2010 season with high hopes of scoring goals.
“The season started off well," Buddle said. "I got a goal the first game and was able to keep scoring. It usually doesn’t happen that way, but this year I was fortunate enough that all the goals were going in.”
While his goals have opened several doors, they’ve also presented him a new challenge. Buddle has never had to deal with the extra travel and fatigue associated with international duty. Before 2010, Buddle had played just 10 minutes with the US National Team.
Now Buddle has been to South Africa and back, and tossed right back into the MLS fire. But he has responded with two goals in three games since the World Cup ended.
The Galaxy host San Jose on Thursday before hosting Puerto Rico in a CONCACAF Champions League qualifier on July 27, the day before the All-Star Game. Home games against Chicago (Aug. 1) and Real Madrid (at the Rose Bowl on Aug. 7) are sandwiched around a trip to Puerto Rico.
Buddle is confident he’ll be able to handle the added workload.
“It’s a lot of games for myself," Buddle said. "I try to rest as much as I can. These games are coming up quick and you’ve just got to be ready. That’s all I can hope for right now.”
