MLS Supporter's Shield winners LA Galaxy have drawn first blood in their Western Conference semi-final with Seattle Sounders.
The league leaders travelled to Qwest Field to take on the well-supported Sounders in the first leg of the play-offs and managed to come away with a narrow 1-0 victory thanks to a 38th minute wonder goal from Edson Buddle.
The USA international received a long ball with his back to goal, fought off his marker then turned and struck sweetly from about 30 yards out, giving Seattle keeper Kasey Keller no chance. It would have to be rated as one of the goals of the season and was enough to give the Galaxy are vital win and away goal ahead of the return leg at The Home Depot Center on Monday, November 8.
Seattle Sounders: 0 LA Galaxy: 1 (Edson Buddle 38')
Venue: Qwest Field, Seattle Crowd: approx. 32,000 Yellow cards:SEA - Fredy Montero 49', Blaise N'Kufo 90+3' LA - Juninho 48', Dema Kovalenko 65', Jovan Kirovski 82'