2010 FIFA World Cup: Why Has Edson Buddle Spent So Much Time On U.S. Bench?

In the crucial closing stages of the exciting U.S. victory over Algeria that was achieved during stoppage time something happened that stepped up the team’s pace.

Even allowing for the normal urgency of circumstances, the team attack speed increased once that the Los Angeles Galaxy MLS star Edson Buddle took the field.

Buddle formed one half of the dynamic team that has kept the Galaxy atop Western Conference standings with the best overall record in the MLS.

Buddle formed a dynamic duo with Landon Donovan that had the Galaxy unbeaten at the time of their departure to join the U.S. team for workout preparations prior to the World Cup.

The Galaxy sustained only one defeat at the time of the World Cup break and that was after the stars’ departure.  At this stage, even counting games Buddle and Donovan missed, they stand at the top of MLS statistics for goals and assists with 9 apiece.

After Buddle’s insertion into the lineup of the clash with Algeria he immediately dazzled with his nifty footwork.  He led the charge toward the Algeria goal with frequent efforts along with fellow speedster Jozy Altidore.

The attacking speed of Buddle and Altidore was augmented by the work of midfield ace Donovan.  His instinct for being in the right place at the right time caused Donovan to position himself for the winning boot into the net on the ricochet following a near miss by Clint Dempsey.

It had been assumed by many in the U.S. soccer community that Buddle and Donovan would renew the stirring activity that drove them to the top MLS stats echelons of goals and assists respectively.  Their talents would complement one another on the world stage as they did with the L.A. Galaxy.

Not long before the World Cup began a current media analyst with a brilliant college coaching record was asked if he thought that England would defeat the U.S.  The expert responded that he believed the U.S. would garner an upset.  His reasoning stemmed from the combined talents of Edson Buddle and Landon Donovan.

Thus far Donovan has become a national hero and a popular presence on the world stage by maintaining the high standards he set in the MLS this season before joining the U.S. team.

The big question that needs answering is if Buddle would have reprised the same record of accomplishment in South Africa as he had formerly this season on MLS pitches if given the chance.

Bob Bradley should consider inserting the talented New Rochelle, New York product into the team’s starting lineup Saturday.  His speed and scoring punch could prove the difference against Ghana.