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Galaxy stay ahead in Supporters Shield chase with 1-0 victory over Union

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BY ADAM SERRANO

It's not always pretty, but the Los Angeles Galaxy are getting the results that may give them the Supporters Shield. 

An Edson Buddle goal and a little magic from goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts was all the Galaxy needed to defeat the Philadelphia Union, 1-0 at PPL Park on Thursday evening. After going through a late summer slide, the Galaxy are gaining momentum as Los Angeles has won four of its last five matches. 

Los Angeles took the lead in the 27th minute when David Beckham delivered a pinpoint cross on a corner to Buddle who headed it to the left of Union goalkeeper Brad Knighton. Buddle's goal was his 16th of the season which sets a career high for the forward. The Galaxy are 11-0-1 when Buddle scores. 

While Buddle was the goalscoring hero, it was the play of Ricketts that preserved the result for the Galaxy with a pair of huge saves in the second half. Philadelphia's youthful offense caused a great deal of trouble for the Galaxy and finally tested Ricketts in the 73rd minute. An audacious flick towards goal by Sebastien Le Toux forced the Jamaican to make a quick diving save to keep the Union off the board. 

Ricketts would come up big again only a minute later when a shot by Shea Salinas forced another save from the Jamaican. The shutout was Ricketts' 11th of the season which ties a Galaxy season record set by Kevin Hartman.Los Angeles will end their road campaign with the best record on the road at 9-3-3 and having only conceded six goals while away from the Home Depot Center.

The Galaxy have a week off until facing the Colorado Rapids on Saturday October 16th at the Home Depot Center. Philadelphia will close their inaugural home schedule on the 16th against the New York Red Bulls. 

Here are the highlights:

Comments

  1. He was the MOM for me last night. It’s unbelievable that two seasons ago he was playing in the USL 1st division. If Philly was in the playoffs he would be voted unanimously the league MVP. he is certainly the Union’s MVP.

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  2. Typical Beckham, lazy and ineffective until he is crossing the ball, and typical Buddle, always scoring goals. The battle between Buddle and Califf was fun to watch. I would love to see them go at it in a MMA ring. The atmosphere was fantastic from what I saw and heard on TV. I have to say that I love the Union chant: Theeeeee Uuuuuuuuuu. Sounds like F@$* Uuuuuuuu on TV.

    The Galaxy should win the Supporter’s Shield. Both Columbus and RSL have tougher MLS games remaining plus a CCL game. Also, the Gals are at home for their final two games I believe.

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  3. He’s still only 25-26, so he would still be in his prime in 2014. You figure Bradley wants at least a year to look at him in Nats friendlies. So he’d probably have to be naturalized by at the latest 2013. Well, at least its not like France is going to call him in.

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  4. He got his green card a few months ago and stated in an interview that he was open to playing for the US if called in. However, he is not yet a US citizen, therefore he is only eligible to play for France currently. And of course the US state dept. doesn’t expedite things for anyone.

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  5. Los Angeles built up their defense in Franklin, DeLa Garza, Gonzlalez, converting Jordan, getting Leonardo

    midfield is workman like, Jouninho and Stephens are nice additions, and forwards are highly effective but not flashy.

    Think Galaxy really are going to look at the midfield and forward lines after this season. Tristan Bowen and Stephens are promising though.

    With their high finish this season and a ton of players ahead of them, look for either trading a vet or two to Whitecaps or Portland, or grabbing a really young Bradenton player. Maybe Salgado will slip to them… or next years draft is stocked with can’t miss defenders.

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  6. ur right man sometimes pretty don’t translate to wins and sometimes a teams plays pretty and loses but yea good win by the galaxy today

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  7. The gs sure play some ugly soccer but u can’t say there not effective. This is one of the best seasons ever in their history as a fan I just wish it would come with a little more entertainment

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