CARSON, Calif. (Friday, March 6, 2015) – The LA Galaxy announced today that the club has signed forward Edson Buddle.
Buddle, a 13-year MLS veteran, is one of only eight players in League history to score over 100 goals. Per MLS and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“We’re very excited to have Edson return to the Galaxy this season,” said Head Coach and General Manager Bruce Arena. “He is an experienced goal scorer in our league who is familiar with the Galaxy. We think he can be a valuable member of our team this season.”
Buddle, 33, was an integral part of the Galaxy’s success, helping lead the club to an MLS Cup (2012) and a Supporters’ Shield trophy (2010) while winning LA Galaxy MVP and Golden Boot in 2010. Throughout his 13-year MLS career, the World Cup veteran has scored 100 goals and notched 30 assists in 292 appearances while winning an MLS Cup, two Supporters’ Shield trophies and a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
The striker was originally acquired by the Galaxy in 2008 in a trade with Toronto FC. From 2008-2012, Buddle scored 42 MLS Regular Season goals for the Galaxy in addition to recording six assists. Buddle moved to Germany when he signed a contract with FC Ingolstadt 04 following the Galaxy’s 2010 season, but returned to the Galaxy in 2012 after one year overseas.
He was originally drafted by the Columbus Crew in the 2001 MLS SuperDraft and went on to score 42 goals during his time there, eventually departing for the New York Red Bulls ahead of the 2006 season.
Buddle has also represented the U.S. Men’s National Team on various youth levels, earning his first senior call up in 2003 when he appeared as a second-half substitute in a match against Venezuela. In 2010, Buddle was named to the USMNT’s roster for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He scored his first two goals for the U.S. in a friendly against Australia ahead of the World Cup. During the tournament, Buddle made appearances as a second-half substitution against England and Algeria.
The LA Galaxy open the 2015 MLS Regular season tonight at 7 p.m. PT at StubHub Center with a match against the Chicago Fire, broadcast live on UniMás. Limited tickets remain for the Galaxy’s opening match of 2015. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 877-3GALAXY (342-5299) or visiting www.lagalaxy.com/tickets.
