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Galaxy-Union Preview

Oct 5, 2010 - 11:48 PM By SANTOSH VENKATARAMAN STATS Senior Writer

Los Angeles (16-6-5) at Philadelphia (7-13-7), 8:00 p.m. EDT

The MLS-leading Los Angeles Galaxy are starting to see the finish line as they make their final road trip of the season Thursday night when they visit the expansion Philadelphia Union.

Los Angeles (16-6-5) has been at the top of the league since play began thanks to its 10-0-2 start. Although the club's form has been shaky in stretches since, it is two points ahead of Real Salt Lake in a bid for its first Supporters' Shield since 2002.

"We're 27 weeks in and it hasn't been perfect, but we've been in first place for 27 weeks," coach Bruce Arena said. "It's not going to be easy the next three games."

Los Angeles improved to a league-best 8-3-3 on the road with Sunday's 2-1 win over Chivas USA, although the game was at the Home Depot Center. Edson Buddle added to his league-high goal total with his 15th, and David Beckham scored his first of the year on a freekick in the 39th minute.

"I practice my freekicks week in and week out and when they go in you are rewarded for that practice," Beckham said. "(Sunday) was a good night for myself, but it was more important for us to pick up those three points."

The English superstar has played four matches since returning from his torn left Achilles' tendon, and exited in the 64th minute Sunday.

"My fitness is good and my confidence is good," Beckham said. "We've got another game on Thursday, which is one of the reasons I came off."

This game will pit two of the top scorers in the league in Buddle and Philadelphia forward Sebastien Le Toux, who is in a three-way tie for second with 13 goals. Le Toux has scored in each of his last three home matches, and the Union (7-13-7) are 2-0-4 in their last six at PPL Park.

Le Toux scored a spectacular goal in last Saturday's 1-1 tie with Houston. The Frenchman has been a surprise after not seeing much action last year for Seattle.

"He deserves more credit than he probably wished for because he is a top candidate for the MVP this season," coach Peter Nowak said.

Le Toux also has 10 assists, meaning that he's been involved in 23 of Philadelphia's 32 goals this year. He claims he's not motivated by individual awards as the season winds down.

"It's nice to be talked about by the media," Le Toux said. "I want to try and help us win these games, finish strong and come back even stronger for next season."

Le Toux did not play in Philadelphia's 3-1 loss at Los Angeles on May 1 due to a sprained knee ligament. Buddle scored twice for the Galaxy.