The Daily Observer (Banjul)
Babucarr Camara
11 July 2011
The defending MLS champions and the Colorado Rapids of Gambian international Sanna Nyassi desperately needed a win following a four-game winless run, and on Saturday night, they got what they needed following a 2-1 home win over the Vancouver Whatecaps.
The former Seattle Sounders Africell Sait Matty and Gambia Ports Authority midfielder made a brief cameo as a first-half goal from Conor Casey and a second-half strike from defender Scott Palguta led the Rapids to just their second win in 11 games and for their first win at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park since early April. The Colorado Rapids were facing a fifth game without a win when the Vancouver Whitecaps visited Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, but Connor Casey settled his side’s nerves with a 24th-minute strike after Jamie Smith’s cross.
Scott Palguta tapped home in the 68th minute to seemingly make the points safe for the Rapids, though Camilo Sanvezzo scored for the Whitecaps to create a few nervous moments for the home side. But Colorado hung on to claim a 2-1 win – their first victory since June 11 – to put their title defence back on track. The Los Angeles Galaxy increased their lead on top of the Western Conference to five points after their big names charged them to a 2-1 win over Chicago Fire.
Landon Donovan put the Galaxy ahead in the 58th minute, but the lead lasted just four minutes when Fire forward Cristian Nazarit equalised. But David Beckham handed his side all three points when his corner kick somehow evaded everyone in a crowded penalty area to cross the line.
Elsewhere, Sporting Kansas City needed a 90th-minute goal from Mexican forward Omar Bravo to claim a 1-1 draw with Chivas USA, while Real Salt Lake defeated Dallas 2-0.
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