The Los Angeles Galaxy need just one win in their next two games to clinch the Supporters Shield and home field advantage through the playoffs. They'll get their first crack at this goal on Saturday, as they welcome the Colorado Rapids to the Home Depot Center, for a match which will be presented after a tape delay on Prime Ticket.
Gregg Berhalter, Dema Kovalenko, and Leonardo are all still listed as questionable, although Bruce Arena said last match that Berhalter was available for Thursday's match just didn't make it into the game.
The Galaxy can finish no lower than 2nd in the west, and as such have already clinched home field advantage in the Western Conference Semi-Final. With a tie or a draw from Real Salt Lake on Saturday, the Galaxy can clinch everything with just one point. Having home field advantage means the Galaxy will start the first leg on the road, finishing at Home Depot Center. Last year the Galaxy faced Chivas USA in the semi-final, meaning both legs were played at HDC.
Buddle's goal against Philadelphia was his 16th of the year, setting a new career high. He has two goals between him and San Jose's Chris Wondolowski. Should Buddle hold on, he would be only the third member of the Galaxy after Carlos Ruiz (in 2002) and Landon Donovan (2008) to win the Golden Boot.
Quick Hitters:
*David Beckham got his first goal "on the road" against Chivas USA, and he got his first assist Thursday at Philadelphia, kicking the corner that Buddle put in the back of the net with his head.
*Donovan Ricketts tied a club record for clean sheets with 11, tying Kevin Hartman. Thursday's clean sheet was the 12th by the Galaxy, trying a record set last year.
*Before the Oct 16th match against Colorado, the Galaxy will be holding a clothing drive for Union Rescue Mission. Fans are encouraged to bring new or gently used clothing which can be dropped off at each HDC entrance.