Los Angeles Galaxy maintained their unbeaten record in the MLS this season with a 1-0 win over Colorado Rapids at The Home Depot Centre.
The hosts could have taken the lead as early as the third minute when Jose Villarreal latched onto Juninho's corner and headed at goal, but his effort was beaten away by Clinton Irwin.
Irwin was in action again moments later, this time to deny Jack McBean as he palmed the striker's powerful strike at goal behind for a corner.
The Galaxy were denied yet again when Villareal raced clear of the visitors' defence and lobbed Irwin only to see his effort cleared off the line by Diego Calderon.
McBean went close for the Galaxy when he peeled clear of his marker inside the penalty area and fired the ball at goal from Sean Franklin's cross but Irwin made a good stop at his near post.
After the break, the Rapids' problems worsened when Drew Moor was sent off when he elbowed Marcelo Sarvas inside the penalty area.
From the resulting spot kick Mike Magee gave his side the lead, drilling his shot into the bottom corner past the outstretched hand of Irwin.
Both sides carved out very little in the remaining 30 minutes, but there was still time for Irwin to deny McBean from getting a second for Galaxy.
Simon Sinclair
