CARSON, Calif. (AP) — Mike Magee converted a penalty 5 minutes into the second half, and the Los Angeles Galaxy took the Western Conference lead Saturday night with a 1-0 victory over the Colorado Rapids.
Magee scored after Rapids center back Drew Moor was sent off for elbowing Jose Villarreal in the face in an off-the-ball incident, a major setback for Colorado after losing starting midfielder Pablo Mastroeni and center back Diego Calderon to injuries in the first half.
The Galaxy (2-0-1), playing without star striker Robbie Keane and defender Omar Gonzalez, both off on international duty, started teenage forwards Villarreal and Jack McBean, who came close to scoring several times before Magee netted his MLS-best fourth goal of the season.
Villarreal came nearest, forcing a diving save from Clint Irwin after a third-minute corner kick and chipping over the goalkeeper from just outside the box in the 32nd, a shot that was cleared off the goal line by Calderon. The Ecuadorian defender bruised his right quadriceps when he subsequently crashed into the right post.
Colorado (0-3-1) is last in the nine-team West and 18th among 19 clubs in the overall standings.
