Union lose to L.A.

Eddie Buddle netted two goals and an assist to lead the L.A. Galaxy over the Philadelphia Union in L.A. Buddle now has nine goals in six games to lead the league and make National Team Coach Bradley, seriously consider adding him to the US Men's team roster.

DeLaGarza opened up the scoring for L.A. in the first minute on a lovely ball from Buddle. Buddle then scored in the 27Th minute when Union keeper Seitz deflected a cross in the box that fell to Buddle who had entirely too much space and time to knock it in. Then in the 44Th minute Buddle took a pass from Donovan to put L.A. up 3-0. Buddle was clearly offsides on the pass, but fortunately for L.A. the linesman did not notice.

The 45Th minute saw Red again for the Union. Union midfielder Fred, made a run and tried to split the Galaxy midfield. They closed the door on him and Fred hit the turf hard. It was a clean hit, no argument. Union player Stefani Miglioranzi, whether he did not like the challenge on Fred or was just frustrated on the night, came flying in, studs up, on the Galaxy players and was shown the straight red. Union down to 10 men.

What was more disturbing about this red card was that it was after the whistle in stoppage with criminal intent. Five games into the season the Union are 1-4. In those five games they have only played 2 of them with all 11 men on the field for 90 minutes. They were outplayed by a better team. They continue to be their worst enemy on the field and the lack of discipline has to reflect on Coach Nowak's coaching style.

Jack McInerney at least brought some pride back in the 84Th minute when he scored the Union's only goal on a wonderful run from Fred. The Union gave entirely too much space to L.A. in the game. The back four for the Union need to close those spaces down and mark their men. Final score: L.A. 3, Union 1.

Until next week,
GO UNION!