MLS Seattle Sounders FC

Buddle's Goal Stifles Seattle in Playoff Opener

Published on November 1, 2010 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Seattle Sounders FC News Release


SEATTLE - Edson Buddle scored in the first-half and Donovan Ricketts made eight saves as the Los Angeles Galaxy edged the Seattle Sounders FC, 1-0, in the first leg of the MLS Cup Playoffs Western Conference Semifinal on Sunday night on the Xbox Pitch at Qwest Field.

Sounders FC lost for the first time at home in eight (5-1-2) MLS matches while the Galaxy beat Seattle for the third time this season.

The Galaxy will host the second leg of the aggregate goal series on Sunday, November 7, at 6 p.m. PT at the Home Depot Center.

The Galaxy struck in the 38th minute when Buddle took down a high ball from Omar Gonzalez in the midfield. Buddle touched it once, spun left on Seattle defender Patrick Ianni and cracked a looping shot from 30 yards that beat Kasey Keller to the far post.

Buddle had finished second in the MLS scoring race with 17 goals during the regular season.

Seattle finished with a 15-10 advantage in shots (8-5 on goal) and forced Ricketts into seven first-half saves.

Nathan Sturgis sent a corner kick into the box in the 24th minute that Ianni headed through. The ball dropped to Fredy Montero in a crowd in front of goal but his shot was deflected over the crossbar by Ricketts.

Earlier, a free kick by Sturgis in the 18th minute nearly resulted in a goal but Jeff Parke's header missed wide of the far post.

Sounders FC nearly scored a late equalizer when Steve Zakuani and Blaise Nkufo combined on the left flank and played Nate Jaqua into the box. Jaqua struck a low shot from 15 yards that Ricketts saved.

Seattle has yet to score in the postseason. In its inaugural season it drew the first leg, 0-0, against Houston and then lost the second leg, 1-0, in extra time.

Keller made four saves, including a tip save in the 7th minute on David Beckham's curling free kick from the left wing.

Parke left the match in the 65th minute with a sprained left ankle and was replaced by Tyrone Marshall.

Seattle's Montero and Nkufo were both issued yellow cards. Juninho, Dema Kovalenko and Jovan Kirovski were cautioned for L.A.

Sunday's crowd of 35,521 was Seattle's 32nd straight sellout and ranks second all-time for a conference semifinal and ninth overall for the MLS Cup Playoffs.

It was the final home game of the season for Sounders FC, going 8-5-3 at home in MLS regular season and playoff matches.

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Major League Soccer Stories from November 1, 2010


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