The Los Angeles Galaxy improve their point total to 56 in a road win over expansion Philadelphia Union, as a David Beckham corner kick reached Edson Buddle's head. He put it cleanly in the back of the net, in what proved to be the deciding goal of the match. The Goal, which came in the 26', was against the grain of play, as Philadelphia dominated possession in the early going.
However, the Union lacked a finishing punch, always looking one step too slow for the Galaxy defense which was able to clear out a series of balls in the goal box. Despite controlling possession and getting several balls into the goal box, the only shot on target managed by Philadelphia in the opening portion of play was a set piece by Sebastian Le Toux in the 2' which started to drop toward the net before Donovan Ricketts made a leaping save. Sean Franklin had the Galaxy's other first half attempt on a free kick, which was saved by Philadelphia's Brad Knighton.
David Beckham went 75' before being subbed out for Jovan Kirovski who returned to the lineup after skipping a match. Kirovski picked up one of two Galaxy yellow cards, the other going to Michael Stephens, who made his second consecutive start.
In a gory scene, Philadelphia's Fred took an unintentional elbow to the face from Juninho in the 14' minute when both of them went for a jump ball. The blow opened up a gash on Fred's forehead, and his face was quickly covered in blood like an opened prize fighter. Once on the sidelines they were unable to stop the bleeding and he had to leave the match.
Landon Donovan, in his second consecutive start at foreward, had a shot on goal in the 77' from the right side of the box but nothing came of it. Edson Buddle's goal brings his total to 16 on the season as he put more distance between him and his competition for the Golden Boot. The Galaxy now have 5 points on their closest competition for the Supporter's Shield.