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Buddle's hat trick guides Galaxy past Earthquakes

Jun 15, 2008 - 5:26 AM By Ryan McCrary PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

OAKLAND, California (Ticker) -- Edson Buddle notched his second hat trick of the season as the Los Angeles Galaxy rolled to a convincing 3-0 triumph over the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday night in front of a record-setting crowd of 39,782 at McAffey Coliseum.

It was the fourth career hat trick for Buddle and the second in less than a month. He registered three scoring strikes against FC Dallas on May 18 as the Galaxy rolled to a 5-1 victory.

"Tonight, we started out very tight as a unit," Buddle said. "We were able to make it difficult for them. Our chances were there all night and I think we were able to capitalize."

Los Angeles (6-4-2) wasted no time getting on the scoreboard.

In the sixth minute, David Beckham played a short cross from the left side to Josh Tudela, whose header set up Buddle's sixth goal of the season from just inside the top of penalty box. It was the sixth assist of the season for the British superstar, who was booed on nearly every touch in the first half.

"I think it was a great performance, a great team performance," Beckham said. "We showed togetherness tonight because a lot of people have been talking about how we are missing a few players, obviously Landon (Donovan) to international duty and a few others out with suspension and injury. I'm excited we came together as a team."

San Jose (3-7-1) had its best scoring chance of the opening half when Ryan Johnson found himself unmarked on the right side, but Galaxy keeper Steve Cronin made a diving save at the near post.

After the intermission, San Jose pressed the attack and created two shots in the first 10 minutes.

"I felt we were getting back into the game and then obviously the second goal kind of killed the game off," San Jose manager Frank Yallop said. "I thought the quality of the three goals were very good and it just showed the difference in the two sides."

Los Angeles doubled its lead in the 63rd minute as Buddle recorded his second goal of the match with a header past a diving Joe Cannon. Buddle recorded his off feeds from Ante Jazic and Ely Allen.

"Repetition, I think, is key to getting in a good groove," said Buddle, who now ranks second in the MLS in goals scored (8) - one behind Donovan. "I grew up watching him play and it's an honor for me and I'll definitely stories to tell when I go back home."

Buddle was not done yet, securing the hat trick five minutes later on another header on assists from Mike Randolph and Jazic. Buddle just missed a potential fourth goal when his shot sailed just wide of the far post.

"Edson's finishing tonight showed what a quality player he is and what he can do, but overall it was the team performance that impressed all of us," Beckham said.