MLS Roundup: LA Galaxy back on track, D.C. United wins again

LA Galaxy 2 – FC Dallas 1

Robbie Keane and Gyasi Zardes scored before halftime to spark the Galaxy to a much-needed victory at StubHub Center. Keane collected a Zardes pass, maneuvered around the attending defenders and tucked home the opener after 24 minutes. Zardes doubled the advantage a minute before the break when he bundled home Juninho’s curling diagonal from close range. FC Dallas improved after the interval and pulled a goal back through Tesho Akindele in the 65th minute, but the injury-ravaged visitors eventually succumbed to a fifth defeat in six attempts.

D.C. United 2 – Houston 0

United climbed into second place in the Eastern Conference with a straightforward triumph over the 10-man Dynamo at rainy RFK Stadium. Fabián Espíndola and Chris Rolfe caused the downfall of the visitors by combining on both goals against a Dynamo side without Brad Davis and Boniek Garcia. Rolfe – deployed further forward with Eddie Johnson suspended – struck first by collecting an Espíndola pass and thumping home just before the half-hour. Espíndola secured the points after 63 minutes when he corralled Rolfe’s feed, created some space inside the penalty area and stung his shot inside the far post. Brian Ownby capped the Dynamo’s miserable night by procuring a red card for lashing out in second-half stoppage time.