L.A. Galaxy forward Edson Buddle, who has been on a record goalscoring tear to start the 2010 season, was recognized today as Player of the Week by the North American Soccer Reporters (NASR) following his two-goal performance last Saturday against defending MLS Cup champions Real Salt Lake.
WATCH: Buddle puts LA 1-0 ahead vs. RSL
WATCH: Buddle scores his seventh of the season
The 28-year-old striker has become the first player in MLS history to score the first seven goals for his club to start a season. After four matches, the Galaxy are perfect and Buddle has accounted for all of his team’s goals.
The New York native made up for his last appearance against RSL in MLS Cup 2009, when he missed the final Galaxy penalty kick in the shootout that decided last year’s champion. At The Home Depot Center this weekend, his 12th-minute header gave L.A. the momentary lead and his 76th-minute blast from the top of the box proved the game-winner.
“I always stay level headed,” said Buddle, who was unaware of the record he set after the match. “I’m not a person to get over the top because there are ups and downs. I’m just enjoying it right now. I’m glad I’m in a good rhythm and just hope I can keep scoring.”
Last week Landon Donovan joined the chorus from the experts in making the case for Buddle to be given a chance at the U.S. World Cup team. Buddle’s only U.S. national-team appearance came seven years ago in March 2003.
“I don’t think I’ve seen anything like it,” Donovan said. “The goals are going in but there are other chances in the game that he’s just missing. He’s getting pulled around by people like you wouldn’t believe. He’s getting fouled and hammered.”
Now in his 10th season in the league, Buddle won two Player of the Week awards in 2008, another two in 2004 and once in 2003, 2005 and 2006.
“Forwards are supposed to score goals, he’s scoring goals,” Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena said. “He’s been great. What more can you say? His performance has been outstanding. I don’t know how else to describe what he’s done to date.”
