Colorado Rapids have work to do in the second leg of the Western Conference Semifinal after a Giovani dos Santos goal gave LA Galaxy the edge at StubHub Center.
The Mexico international put his 55th minute header on frame, with Tim Howard wrong-footed, only for Axel Sjöberg to divert his attempted clearance into the far corner for the only goal of the game.
LA Galaxy’s goal came at the end of some strong play from the home side, during which the Rapids struggled to clear their lines. The Rapids responded well, though, with halftime substitute Jermaine Jones forcing a fine, full stretch save from Brian Rowe.