Historic Haul Thrusts Galaxy's Buddle Into World Cup Picture

Edson Buddle has played just once for the U.S. national team, and that was seven years ago. His checkered career with four MLS clubs has been marked by inconsistent production and accusations of indifference. Despite the injury-riddled national team's very real concerns up front heading into the World Cup, Buddle was never considered an option. Bob Bradley has ignored him.

While we're waiting for Charlie Davies and Brian Ching to get healthy, or lamenting the inability of Jeff Cunningham or Robbie Findley to stake their claim, Buddle has come from nowhere to make his case for a spot in South Africa. His ridiculous run of form includes seven goals in the undefeated Los Angeles Galaxy's four games so far. Just one team in MLS (Real Salt Lake) has tallied that many this year. On Saturday, Buddle grabbed both both goals in L.A's 2-1 defeat of RSL, avenging his critical missed penalty kick in last year's MLS Cup final and leaving many people wondering if he's the shocking answer to the national team's striker dilemma.
Buddle is no stranger to streaks. This could be a flash in the pan. He scored five times last year, 15 in 2008 and just five in 2007. But the manner in which he's scoring his goals is promising. Demonstrating the emphatic, predatory qualities that top international strikers possess, Buddle outclassed RSL over the weekend with an athletic header, and then a game-winning rip that demonstrated an impressive combination of composure and technique, as he settled a pass with one foot then struck a ferocious half-volley with the other.

"I cannot remember ever seeing a guy that is this on fire," RSL coach Jason Kreis said. "Everything he is touching is quality. The goals he is scoring [are] uncanny."

Buddle comes with some baggage. He's still associated with a 2005 suspension that followed his refusal to take a breathalyzer test after being stopped by the cops. He departed Columbus at the end of that season. He's come off humble, somewhat sheepish, in recent interviews, reluctant to entertain notions of a return to the national team and trying simply to appreciate his hot streak.

"I've always stayed level-headed because, like I said, there are always ups and downs. I'm just enjoying it right now and I hope that I keep scoring," he said after the RSL game.

Bradley is expected to convene a camp next month. Unless Buddle implodes between now and then, it would be foolish not to invite him. Davies remains a long shot, and the Buddle that's tearing up MLS offers the sort of attacking option that the ponderous Ching simply cannot. Pedigree shouldn't matter. Buddle told ESPN that he stayed in Los Angeles during the winter in order to maintain his fitness and focus on the season. Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said the 28-year-old forward has been "one of the most dedicated players we have."

It's unexpected. It's practically a fairy tale. But the U.S. needs help, and Buddle is as hot as they come. The list of players whose MLS scoring exploits failed to materialize on the international stage is lengthy (including Kreis), but the quality of Buddle's play, and his partnership with Donovan, means he should merit consideration.