Buddle blinder gives Galaxy victory
Reuters - Monday 01 November 2010, 03:44
SEATTLE - A looping long range effort
from Edson Buddle gave the Los Angeles Galaxy a 1-0 victory
over the Seattle Sounders in the first leg of their MLS Cup
Western Conference semi-final on Sunday.
Buddle turned and fired a 35 metre effort past the helpless
Sounders goalkeeper Kasey Keller in the 38th minute to give the
Galaxy a precious away victory ahead of the second leg in Los
Angeles on Sunday.
It was the American international's 17th goal of the season
and silenced most of the 35,000 supporters at Qwest Field.
Los Angeles midfielder Juninho wasted a glorious chance to
double the advantage in the 85th minute when he screwed his
left foot shot from inside the penalty area wide after a neat
passing move from the Galaxy.
The Sounders did have their chances in the match and were
denied a lead after just 32 seconds when Steve Zakuani found
the net only to be ruled offside.
The first-leg advantage means the Galaxy will be heavy
favourites to advance to the Western Conference final and play
either FC Dallas or defending MLS Cup champions Real Salt Lake.
Dallas take a 2-1 lead to Utah for the second leg of their
semi-final on Saturday.