LA Galaxy striker Edson Buddle admits his recent form kept him out of Bob Bradley's USA squad for this week's friendlies with Poland and Colombia.

MLS' leading goalscorer with 15, was a surprise call-up for the USA World Cup squad but could not break in to the latest team but he understands why.

"I'd love to be at that camp," he told MLSsoccer.com. "But I'm not playing my greatest right now, so I'm not too disappointed. I'm coming off a hamstring injury and being in that environment would probably put some stress on my hamstring anyway."

Buddle also said that USA soccer is in a good state with the amount of competition there now is for places in the national team.

"The new guys make it competitive," said Buddle. "It's good. It's more at stake. Hopefully that can elevate everyone's game - especially at my position. When things are competitive, it helps my game in the long run. When you have to fight for your job, you end up doing great things with your potential."