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Buddle scores twice to lead Galaxy over Chivas USA

Apr 2, 2010 - 6:19 AM CARSON, Calif.(AP) -- Edson Buddle scored two goals to lead the Los Angeles Galaxy to a 2-0 victory over Chivas USA on Thursday night.

Landon Donovan added two assists and Donovan Ricketts made two saves to earn his second shutout in as many games for the Galaxy (2-0-0), which began the season with two victories for the first time since 2002.

Buddle, who has three goals after two games, scored only five goals last year while fighting foot and calf injuries.

"Edson's been great," Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said. "He's had a remarkable focus. He's done an outstanding job of getting ahold of the ball, being dangerous individually and bringing his teammates into the game."

Buddle recorded his second goal of the season in the seventh minute on a glancing 11-yard header.

Sean Franklin received Donovan's pass and chipped the ball from the right flank to Buddle, who cut in front of Chivas USA defender Michael Umana to head the ball between goalkeeper Dan Kennedy and the right post.

Chivas USA (0-2-0) had a chance to tie the score in the 80th minute. Sacha Kljestan chipped a ball over the defense to Jesus Padilla, who went one-on-one against Ricketts. But Ricketts stopped Padilla's 8-yard shot at point-blank range.

"Our plan was to play a fast-paced game and be aggressive," Chivas USA coach Martin Vasquez said. "We wanted to use the width of the field and get behind them.

"We were very unlucky not to get a goal. It would have changed everything."

Buddle scored his second goal in the 87th minute by redirecting Donovan's left-wing pass from 10 yards.

Chivas USA's Blair Gavin made his professional debut by starting in the midfield. Gavin was the team's first choice in the Major League Soccer draft.

Chivas USA has never started a season wtih two consecutive losses.