Columbus Crew forward Edson Buddle was selected as the Honda MLS Player of the Week by the Professional Soccer Reporters Association (PSRA) for his two goal performance in the Crew's opening day win over the Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday, April 2, 2005 at Crew Stadium. Buddle claims the fourth Player of the Week honor of his career, having also received been recognized in Week 1 of the 2003 season as well as twice in 2004 (Week 18 and 25).
The Crew managed to take the early lead in the eighth minute, when Manny Lagos played a dangerous cross in front of the Los Angeles goal. An unmarked Buddle was able to place the ball inside the far post with a glancing header from the near side of the goal.
"I liked how we came out and pressured them, especially playing at home," said Buddle after the game. "We want to win all of our home games. It feels good to start out as well as you can and to get two is a blessing. I am glad my teammates got me involved."
Columbus began the second half with a similar quick start as in the first. Ante Razov swerved in the restart to the back post from near the corner of the penalty box, finding Buddle who nicked the ball past Galaxy goalkeeper Kevin Hartman with his left boot in the 47th minute.
New England Revolution forward Taylor Twellman and Kansas City Wizards forward Josh Wolff also received votes. The Honda Major League Soccer Player of the Week is selected every week throughout the MLS regular season by a panel of journalists from the Professional Soccer Reporters Association (PSRA).
2005 PLAYER OF THE WEEK WINNER
Week 1: Edson Buddle (Columbus Crew)
