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Union-Galaxy Preview

Apr 30, 2010 - 7:59 PM By BRETT HUSTON STATS Writer

Philadelphia (1-3-0) at Los Angeles (4-0-1), 10:30 p.m. EDT

Edson Buddle says the Los Angeles Galaxy's offense can succeed even if he isn't scoring. Based on their latest result, though, that might not be the case.

The league's leading goal scorer was held off the scoresheet for the first time in the Galaxy's scoreless draw, but Buddle will look to help get his team back in the win column Saturday night when it hosts the expansion Philadelphia Union.

Los Angeles (4-0-1) lost the 2009 MLS Cup in penalty kicks, but it doesn't seem to be dwelling on that disappointment early in 2010. Buddle, who missed a crucial penalty in the championship game, scored all seven of his team's goals in its 4-0 start.

Buddle, though, couldn't find the back of the net last Saturday, and - again - neither could his teammates. Los Angeles' winning streak came to an end with a scoreless draw in rainy conditions at Kansas City.

Even without a goal from anyone not wearing the No. 14 jersey, Buddle doesn't think he has to score for the Galaxy to succeed.

"It hasn't been like that in the past," Buddle said. "I don't think it's going to be like that this year. We're back home and I'm pretty sure someone's going to score sooner or later."

Reigning league MVP Landon Donovan has assisted on four of Buddle's tallies, but he has a long way to go to equal his 12 goals from 2009.

"It's still early," Buddle said. "We're glad we've gotten off to the start we've gotten to and just want to continue to win games, especially at home.

"I don't think it's something that we're pressing this early in the season. Maybe if it was late, close to the playoffs, you might be pressing a little bit to make sure things are right, right before the playoffs but right now we're in a good state of mind."

Philadelphia (1-3-0) has won its only home game, but it has dropped all three matches on the road. The Union tied red-hot New York at 1-all in the 59th minute on Sebastien Le Toux's goal last Saturday, but Juan Pablo Angel's penalty strike six minutes later gave the Red Bulls a 2-1 victory.

"Sometimes you make mistakes and you pay for it," coach Peter Nowak said. "If you don't convert your chances like that you struggle. We had chances, and the most important thing is to finish those chances. We have to work on it, it's as simple as that."

Le Toux has four of Philadelphia's five goals in MLS competition, but the Union will have to make do without the 25-year-old striker on Saturday. The league's third-leading scorer suffered a knee injury Tuesday in a U.S. Open Cup match against New York, and he's been ruled out against Los Angeles.

"The doctors I talked to told me I am very lucky," Le Toux said. "Things could have been a lot worse."

Le Toux's absence means the Union could use a big game from Alejandro Moreno. The Venezuelan striker, who played 70 games with the Galaxy from 2002-2004, has won three MLS Cups.