When Edson Buddle gets called into the U.S. World Cup training camp next week, it should be a waypoint, not a tryout, even though the 28-year-old forward has made only one career appearance for the national team — as a substitute in 2003.
With two more goals for the Los Angeles Galaxy over the weekend, Buddle has nine after just six matches. For reference, in 2004 two players tied for the most in Major League Soccer (playing at least 25 matches) with 12.
Buddle shares his first name with Pele (aka Edson Arantes do Nascimento), and in the past he has been injured, inconsistent and troubled (a 2005 suspension after violating the league’s substance abuse policy).
But the real story is his current production — playing alongside U.S. teammate Landon Donovan and under former U.S. coach Bruce Arena, no less — which trumps any lack of experience or grooming in the international game. If he doesn’t already have a ticket to South Africa, the U.S. national team isn’t working.
