New Rochelle’s Edson Buddle was a long shot to make the U.S. National Team’s World Cup roster. But no matter how slim his odds, now that he has crashed the party, Buddle is making the most of it, scoring his first two international goals to lead the United States to a 3-1 victory over Australia yesterday.
Buddle’s brace and a late insurance tally by Herculez Gomez gave the U.S. a win in their final tuneup before opening the World Cup Saturday vs. England. And in just his third cap, Buddle staked a claim to start against the Three Lions.
“No decisions will be made on Edson starting, but Edson continues to get more comfortable within the group,” said coach Bob Bradley. “You saw the things that have highlighted his MLS season so far — taking chances well, good finishing, scoring a goal off a direct, hard shot and scoring with his head, so good things.”
With starter Jozy Altidore sidelined by an ankle sprain, Buddle started alongside speedy Robbie Findley. Buddle, a physical Port Chester High School grad played a target man role more akin to Altidore, and played it to perfection.
“I’m glad to score the two goals; it worked well,” Buddle said on ESPN2. “With Findley starting, he’s a speedy forward, he likes to get in behind [the defense], and we worked well. We have a great rapport. I didn’t see myself being here, but I’ve always wanted to play in the World Cup. I got the opportunity and I’m glad to be a part of it.”
Buddle was named after Pele (real name Edson Arantes do Nascimento), who led Brazil to the 1970 World Cup title when Buddle’s father Winston was growing up in Jamaica. Winston moved to New York the next year, and by 1975, so had Pele. Winston became a regular at Cosmos games, and by the time Edson was born in 1981, he came into the world and found a soccer ball awaiting him in his crib.
Yesterday Buddle gave a World Cup-worthy effort, the kind that will clearly leave Bradley with some tough decisions. He scored in the fourth minute after dispossessing Vince Grella, dribbling a stride into the box and ripping a 16-yard blast over GK Mark Schwarzer. He was just warming up.
After Tim Cahill equalized in the 19th minute off a corner, left unmarked by Jay DeMerit and Carlos Bocanegra, Buddle struck four minutes later, heading home a far post cross from right back Steve Cherundolo.
“Edson and Robbie have both played fantastic,” said goalkeeper Tim Howard. “Everything Edson touches is a goal, and Robbie creating so many chances, so those guys are exciting for us.”
As usual, Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan were both dangerous, but the defense was still shaky with Clarence Goodson starting centrally and Oguchi Onyewu — in his third game back after knee surgery — coming off the bench.
Injured England star David Beckham was scouting for the Three Lions, and his report will of course feature his Galaxy teammate Donovan. But after this performance, it may include his other L.A. running mate as well.
