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Galaxy increases unbeaten streak to 10

Jun 7, 2009 - 5:11 PM By RYAN JOHNSTON STATS MLS Correspondent

TORONTO (STATS) - Even without their leading scorer, the Los Angeles Galaxy got two goals in a tough venue for visiting teams and extended their unbeaten streak to 10 games.

It was a feat that surprised even Galaxy coach Bruce Arena.

Substitute Edson Buddle scored the winning goal late in the second half to give Los Angeles a 2-1 road win over Toronto FC.

It was the first victory for the Galaxy (2-1-9) after five straight draws.

"We scored without (Landon) Donovan and even without David Beckham, isn't that amazing," Arena said. "It is a hard field to play on and to get out of here with three points is pretty impressive."

Donovan, whose six goals and four assists both lead the Galaxy, was in Chicago to play with the U.S. team in a World Cup qualifier against Honduras. That game also resulted in Toronto missing its top scorer, Honduras native Amado Guevara.

Los Angeles broke a 1-1 tie in the 77th minute when Alan Gordon's pass sent a streaking Buddle in alone to score against his former team. The goal was the second of the year for Buddle, who came on in the 66th minute for Chris Klein.

"It feels good. I wanted to get a win here. I haven't won in Toronto yet and to get the game-winner was special," said Buddle, acquired from Toronto in June 2007 for defender Tyrone Marshall. "I had a rough time when I was here and to finally get a goal here on the turf - which I do not like - it feels even better."

Toronto (4-5-4), which had lost only once in its previous six home games, has lost two straight and three of four overall.

Gordon gave Los Angeles an early lead with his third goal of the year. Eddie Lewis' corner kick in the sixth minute found an unmarked Gordon, who headed a shot past goalkeeper Stefan Frei.

"Two awful goals; first one on the set piece especially," Toronto FC coach Chris Cummins said. "If you're given a job on a set play you do your job. That's what you're in the team for."

Toronto finished with 18 shots on goal to only eight for the Galaxy but was only able to convert one in the 62nd minute.

Chad Barrett's shot bounced off the post to striker Danny Dichio, who nodded it into an open net. Los Angeles argued the equalizer was offside, but after the linesman and match official convened, it was ruled a goal.

Though the Galaxy are fifth in the Western Conference, they are the lone team in the league with only one defeat, something Arena sees as a huge positive.

"I would rather have 10 draws than five losses," Arena said. "Our team refuses to lose and that is a positive sign. Clearly we need to win more games, but how many teams in the league have just one loss?"

Toronto FC pushed bodies forward in the dying minutes in search of an equalizer, but each wave of attack was repelled by Galaxy goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts.

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Story from: STATS LLC, http://www.stats.com.