BY ADAM SERRANO
A pair of Edson Buddle goals were the difference as the Galaxy dominated from the opening whistle to dispatch their in-stadium rivals, Chivas USA 2-0 at Home Depot Center on Thursday night. The Galaxy opened up the scoring early with a beautiful header by Buddle, who received a perfect cross from Sean Franklin that he slotted behind Chivas keeper Dan Kennedy.
Chivas rarely threatened on the night and saw their best chance at an equalizer in the 80th minute as a Sacha Kljestan's chip to Jesus Padilla gave the forward a world of space to work with. Padilla was able to out work LA Galaxy Goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts for the ball and played it to second half sub Maicon Santos, whose shot went over the empty net.
The Galaxy put the game on ice in the 87th minute as Edson Buddle was the recipient of a Landon Donovan cross, which the in-form striker confidently slotted past Kennedy. The play was emblematic of the match as the original ball came from Mike Magee, who found the streaking Donovan after stealing the ball from Chivas defender Michael Umana.
The result maintained the Galaxy's stranglehold on the Rojiblancos as Chivas USA has not beaten the Galaxy since 2007. Giving the Galaxy a nine game unbeaten streak in all competitions against their rivals.
I’m really beginning to get the feeling that when LA gets that first goal they decide to go oldschool Bruce Arena and pack it in defensively and counterpunch. With their strong backline anchored by a very mature and calm Omar Gonzalez it’s not a bad strategy except that its very frustrating for me to watch. I want to see them punish every opponent. Don’t just take the W and be happy. I want to demoralize each team they face. That killer instinct. That is the only way to compete. Make that LA Galaxy on their calendar one they watch with trepid anticipation hoping they’ll wake up and its already over.
The best teams in the world do that and do so without any conscious. I have zero problems with that… Too many years of watching the Lakers, the Dodgers, and USC put it to their opponents to create that aura. Now I want the Galaxy to do the same thing.
Hey man, I didn’t check back to this thread until I wrote that book in the other one where you blasted me. That’s cool. Pretty clever too, cool aid. I really didn’t think that a goat cranium could be so clever!
No cookies man, just props and you gave it up so it’s cool.
You may be very surprised to learn that I actually root for Chivas in La Liga. Can’t stand pinche Club America…
Dominated might be a little strong just because LA didn’t exactly look like world beaters last night, but other than the one chance Santos field goal’d over the top of the bar from 6 yards out, Chivas produced absolutely nothing dangerous going forward.
For LA, Buddle looked good and agreed that if he can keep this up, he should probably get a look in the May camp. He did drop off last year but he was hurt a lot. If he’s in form, his combo of size, speed, skill on the ball and finishing ability can’t hurt to have in camp.
The other thing that stood out last night is that 2 games into the season Kljestan is definitely not having the start he needs to put himself in WC contention. He had a few decent touches and the chip to Padilla was excellent, but otherwise he just got lost for huge stretches of the game. For a guy who’s supposed to be the focal point of that offense that’s not exactly what you’re looking for.
Attendance was terrible for the Super Clasico last night. I guess it’s not looked at as that super by both teams’ fains…
I think Galaxy dominates the series.
That’s for sure.
“Padilla was able to out work LA Galaxy Goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts for the ball and played it to second half sub Maicon Santos, whose shot went over the empty net.”
What game were YOU watching?
What a fantastic site! I’m surprised I’ve never come across it, thanks a bunch! Defiantly a new bookmark!
Edit: I forgot to add, “for a big man.”
i think Omar took off the training wheels last night. He showed he can play with confidence and composure without a vet next to him. Look out world cup 2014! Also, I am very impressed with Franklin. They both have shown that they really did deserve Rookie of the Year honors the last two years.
I think that Buddle has something that we don’t very often see: great speed and skill on the ball.
If everyone wants Gomez to get a look, Buddle should be above him.
Also, the other factor is that Buddle plays with LD and is comfortable working with him and receiving passes for him, etc. If Gomez gets a look in May, then Buddle should as well if he keeps it up.
i think he has been considered many times. especially 2 seasons ago. but last season he dropped off BIG time, and that was the year to stand out. if he can continue to score goals, he’ll have to be considered.
The midfield passing was ugly for both teams for long stretches. I lost count how many times the player on the ball (for both teams)got pressured, without a teammate coming for support or showing any off-the-ball movement. I know it’s early in the season, but I was surprised at how static both teams were off the ball.
AWESOME! i don’t know why, but the business side of football fascinates me.
absolutely. he’s only had 2 games though. 7 goals in 12 games is a much more eye catching streak. but if buddle can keep it up, and with ching now injured, absolutely.
http://footiebusiness.com/
This site will have information like that and more.
Are you crazy?! What he did last night shows just how important he is. He managed to put a HUGE stamp on the game while having an overall poor game. That is what makes a good player great. You’re not always gonna be great night after night. How can you not appreciate when someone is still a game changer when they’re having an off night. He did set up the attack on both goals, need i remind you. Everyone has off days. But, being able to still contribute on such nights is what seperates a good player from an inconsistant one. Am I wrong on this?
I think it’s a little late for Buddle at this point, but he looked impressive. Confidence, control at speed, and a nice work rate. I thought Omar Gonzalez looked good too.
True that. I’m not gonna scream about the world cup, but I think if Buddle stays healthy he deserves along with Gomez to be considered as one of the top six strikers in our pool behind Davies, Altidore, and yes I’m gonna say it, Ching(Donovan and Dempsey being counted as Midfielders). Findley and EJ have all the physical tools, but just don’t get it done consistantly, but then not many of our strikers do, which keeps them on the radar.
I have also been very curious about this. Attendance and TV ratings are like two dark secrets that MLS execs don’t want to aknowledge or talk about unless it is Toronto, and Seattle. I can’t really blame them, it is much better to focus on the positives and move forward, but it is kinda like the untouchable topic. I don’t want to know so I can bash MLS, just curious. I want to see if my league is getting more respect!
yea the only brazilian that impressed me was alex cuzumba? he was up and down and hustling for balls, and then leonardo did good, juninho didnt play very good, but it must be hard to translate to the MLS and not speak a word of english and get accustomed to the MLS style. so im not totally giving up.
I cant say that was domination. Galaxy finished their two chances. The Chivas did not. Neither team looks particularly dangerous or organized.
Safe to say I was in REM sleep considering this game kicked off at 11 pm Eastern and didn’t finish until 1 AM on a week night. I don’t know what ESPN or MLS are thinking, they would have faired better had they played this game tonight.
That said, I watched the highlights and think Kjlestian stands no chance of making the World Cup roster, which is deserving. He isn’t that good. Also, when will people start to consider Buddle for the USMNT? If he plays well this year I could see him on the Gold Cup roster. He’s big, great finisher, can score with his head and feet.
Good idea. Especially FSC games.
Also, Max Bretos wasn’t bad in the studio, but I never want to hear him again in the commentary booth.
I don’t think that it’s unfair to say that LA dominated because Chivas just never really matched the Galaxy’s fight early on. I think that the Galaxy just too their fot off the pedal for the middle third of the match. Chivas has a decent roster, but need some serious work as far as what their game to game strategy will be from here on. They looked seriously confused and slow at times.
Is that three goals for Buddle already? If there’s a lot of talk about Gomez getting a look with the Nats for his hot streak, is there a chance Buddle gets a look if he goes on a similar goal scoring run? I’ve always liked Buddle and was very disappointed with the way his time in Columbus came to an end.
Ives – any chance we can see a weekly column where you discuss the TV ratings of the previous week’s matches? If the past of soccer leagues is anything to go by, the real key to money for MLS is through a TV contract and without the high numbers, the league will never have a break through.
Any indication how many people watched last week’s games (esp. Seattle v. Philly)? I know they have been terrible since they’ve been aired but you have to imagine they’re getting better?
Chivas only had 4 players who could even play, Kljestan both CB, and galindo
Yeah Adam, you’ve got the goals flipped around in your report, but I have to agree that the Galaxy did dominate. Especially Donovan, who looks like he is more dialed in than ever right now. The time in England has done wonders for his confidence. He looks like he will dominate MLS this year more than ever before. It has been fun to watch his evolution.
I just got back home 10 minutes ago.
Galaxy rules, I said it.
Want a cookie?
🙂
As an LA fan that game was borderline unwatchable. Every two passes was a turnover and LD didn’t seem interested for most of the game. The stats will show otherwise, but if he can’t get up for these games, maybe Bruce should give the armband to someone else. Seems like the derby is losing it’s sizzle. Both teams were a wreck.
For this game, I couldn’t agree more. And while the Galaxy total shape and defense were very good, their ability to connect three passes together — for the second straight game — was quite poor. Juninho or someone else in the middle of the park has to be able to link better. Speaking of being awful, Justin Braun was miserable.
Juninho sucked. Poor runs. Constantly turning ball over. Terrible shot, way off target. I don’t get the hype around him. I see him getting benched soon. Glad I didn’t roster him in fantasy mls.
Just got home from Home Depot Center… 2 hours out of the parking lot and on the road. Worth EVERY penny like usual. Love to be up on the smelly ol goats. Great game, terrific passion, and not a sound from any goat fans… Where were you ELAC?
Arriba El Galaxy.
galaxy swept the floor with chivas…oh wait, isnt sweeping the floor their job?
If I’m not mistaken, it was Franklin that made that pinpoint cross to Buddle for the 1st goal.
Dominate was pretty fair. Padilla should have scored, but the second striker was offside before he skied his shot anyway. The Galaxy CM looked to have control most of the match..
LD didn’t make the first cross, but he was involved in that first goal. LD did make the immediate cross for the second goal.
I don’t know about dominating it. Chivas should have tied. Both teams looked out of Sync. Oh, and MLS still is subpar. It needs more depth. Hopefully the second DP helps.