MLS Morning Espresso 10/8

There was only one match on the league fixture list, but it was a heck of a good one. And it was on national television. Thankfully.

Philadelphia hosted Los Angeles at PPL Park in front of a boisterous crowd that, with the unmistakable charm that only a true Philly fan could appreciate, intermittently shouted something that sounded like “fudge you!”, only a lot more R-rated.

Edson Buddle reacquired his scoring touch for the second time this week when he scored in the 27th minute. It would prove to be the decider by the end of the night, as the Union sent a few last gasps late but were unable to equalize. Goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts, who came up with a pair of preposterous saves, picked up his 11th clean sheet of the season.

Sidebar: Although I’ve yet to visit, PPL Park really looks like a great place to catch a match. It does. But one suggestion: they’ve got to find a way to get the DOT or the city to illuminate the Commodore Barry Bridge at night. It’s an imposing structure when visible, and certainly adds a nice touch of ambience. But imagine how spectacularly awesome it would look at night?