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Real Salt Lake-Galaxy Preview

Apr 16, 2010 - 8:44 PM By BRETT HUSTON STATS Writer

Real Salt Lake (1-1-1) at Los Angeles (3-0-0), 10:30 p.m. EDT

Edson Buddle's last shot of 2009 was turned away in penalty kicks, and one attempt later, the Los Angeles Galaxy were left to watch Real Salt Lake celebrate its first MLS title.

The Galaxy forward seems to have gotten over the disappointment.

Buddle's league-leading five goals have keyed Los Angeles getting off to a perfect start through three games, and he'll look to help his team earn a measure of revenge Saturday night when it hosts Salt Lake in the rematch of a wild MLS Cup.

The Galaxy (3-0-0) tied for the most points (48) in the Western Conference last season, while RSL (1-1-1) barely qualified for the playoffs with 40 points and an 11-12-7 record.

Salt Lake went 1-0-1 against Los Angeles in the regular season, though, and got the better of the Galaxy again with the MLS Cup on the line. Mike Magee's first-half goal was equaled by Robbie Findley in the second half, and after 30 minutes of extra time, the teams went to penalties to decide the championship.

Tied at 4 in sudden death, Buddle's shot was stopped by goalie Nick Rimando before Robbie Russell converted, making RSL the unlikely champion and leaving Buddle with an offseason of anguish.

"I just don't want to be remembered for a thing like that," Buddle said. "It was definitely motivation and preparation for the season."

He seems to have put it well behind him. Buddle has scored all five of Los Angeles' goals - three assisted by Landon Donovan - and notched a pair before halftime in a 2-0 win at Houston last Saturday.

Buddle is ready for the rematch.

"Losing in the final, you want to play that team again. It's going to be physical and you want to win. I'm sure they're up to the task," Buddle said. "They got what they wanted and we just want to show that we are the better team."

As impressive as Buddle has been, the Galaxy's defense has played just as big a role in their success. Los Angeles hasn't allowed a goal in three matches, and with one more shutout, can tie the 2007 New York Red Bulls for the most consecutive clean sheets to open a season.

"The whole team has been great, not just the back four," defender Omar Gonzalez said. "Everyone has been involved in these shutouts and it's been a really good team defense."

The Galaxy haven't beaten RSL in six matches (0-2-4), including the MLS Cup, but Salt Lake hasn't won since its opener against San Jose. Following a 2-1 loss to Houston, RSL needed a stoppage time goal from Alvaro Saborio last Saturday to salvage a 2-2 draw against visiting Seattle.

"I think we will look back at the end of this season and we'll remember this draw," midfielder Kyle Beckerman said. "We would have liked to win - you want to win every game - but teams are not going to just lay down for us. But to come back twice, it was a good draw."

Each side has injury concerns. RSL midfielder Ned Grabavoy is out with an MCL sprain, while teammate Javier Morales is uncertain to play due to a groin injury.

Clint Mathis is among four players who are questionable for Los Angeles. Mathis, who played for the Galaxy from 1998-2000 and was reacquired in January, scored the first penalty-kick goal for RSL in the MLS Cup.