CARSON, Calif. – Edson Buddle's return to the LA Galaxy appears closer to reality, with head coach Bruce Arena acknowledging that the club is interested in signing the veteran striker.
Buddle, 33, saw limited action during the Galaxy's 11-day trek to Europe after picking up an injury, but he was involved Wednesday in LA's first training session since returning Sunday from Dublin.
“Buddle's here training. We hope to be able to sign him ...,” Arena said following the practice at StubHub Center. “If we're going to do something, we'll let you know.”
Buddle, one of eight men to score at least 100 MLS regular-season goals, has been with the Galaxy since camp opened last month after Colorado in November declined the option on his contract. He spent 4½ seasons with LA – from 2007 through 2010 and in 2012 – with 45 MLS regular-season goals, including 15 in 2008 and 17 in 2010.
He's seen action in four of the Galaxy's six preseason matches, including a stint off the bench in a loss to Hammarby in Sweden. He was not available for LA's win Saturday over Shamrock Rovers in Dublin.
“We know what Edson's about,” Galaxy captain Robbie Keane said. “He's been here before, so he'll certainly be a good addition to the squad.”
Arena said he'd made no determination on the Galaxy's draftees and other trialists and that Finnish midfielder Mika Vayrynen, who joined LA in Europe, might come to Southern California for a further trial.
“It's possible,” Arena said. “We haven't finalized anything yet.”
Vayrynen, 33, a former Leeds United and PSV Eindhoven midfielder who has been with HJK Helsinki since 2012, played one half against Hammarby and started against Shamrock Rovers, scoring the game's lone goal.
“I was impressed by him,” Keane said. “He's technically very, very good.”
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The Galaxy spent most of their trip in Dublin, Keane's hometown, where they toured the city and visited with Ireland president Michael D. Higgins. The primary benefit, Keane said, was gaining fitness.
“We'll obviously see next week [in the regular-season opener against Chicago whether we're ready], but we've done everything that's been asked of us by the fitness guys,” Keane said. “We've got another game to prepare ourselves. [Saturday at] San Jose will be a good test for us and a good fitness test before the opener.”
Arena was asked if he thought the reigning MLS Cup champions were ready for the March 6 match against the Fire at StubHub.
“I don't think you ever know, to be honest with you,” he replied. “If we're not where we want to be, we're not far behind. This is only going to tell opening day where we are, but I think we're making progress.”
