Back page Los Angeles Galaxy maintained their unbeaten start to the 2010 MLS season with a convincing 2-0 away win over Houston Dynamo.
By keeping Houston goalless, the Galaxy become only the third team ever to start the season with three consecutive clean sheets.
Striker Edson Buddle was again the hero for the visitors as he bagged a first half brace, taking his total to five in just three games.
Indeed, the in-form marksman has scored all of his side’s goals so far this season.
Galaxy went ahead after 27 minutes when a defensive mix up between Houston defenders Eddie Robinson and Mike Chabala allowed Buddle to pounce and beat Dynamo goalkeeper Pat Onstad at his near post.
The hosts found themselves down to ten men after Luis Angel Landin was red carded for lashing out at Galaxy’s Omar Gonzalez, who has been using his arms to shield the ball.
Los Angeles capitalised just two minutes later when Buddle tapped home a cross from Sean Franklin to go into the break with a commanding lead.
The game was effectively over as a contest, and Galaxy professionally played out the second half to maintain their 100% record.
“I thought the defending for both goals was really poor and they took advantage of them,” said Dynamo coach Dominic Kinnear after the game.
“Credit to them, they took advantage of our mistakes and won the game.”
Los Angeles: Donovan Ricketts; Todd Dunivunt; Leonardo; Omar Gonzalez; Sean Franklin; Juninho – Michael Stephens, 80’; A. J. DeLaGarza; Chris Birchall; Mike Magee; Edson Buddle – Alan Gordon, 67’; Landon Donovan.
Houston: Pat Onstad; Andrew Hainault; Eddie Robinson; Bobby Boswell – Corey Ashe, 46’; Mike Chabala; Richard Mulrooney – Lovel Palmer, 29’; Brian Mullan; Geoff Cameron; Brad Davis; Dominic Oduro – Danny Cruz, 71’; Luis Angel Landin.
