Battle of Conference Leaders Goes to Colorado

Jorge Dely Valdes’ goal broke a tie in the 74th minute as the Colorado Rapids beat D.C. United, 2-1, Saturday night in a match between MLS conference leaders before 16,387 at Washington.

Valdes got a step on United defender Brian Kamler at the top of the penalty area. When Kamler offered little resistance, Valdes broke through and scored on a soft shot beneath goalie Tom Presthus. It was Valdes’ seventh goal of the year.

Colorado (12-4) improved to 6-3 on the road and has one more road victory than it did last season. Eastern Conference-leading D.C. (12-7), which has lost four of six, tied the game about two minutes earlier on a goal by A.J. Wood.

Miami 2, Columbus --Henry Gutierrez set up one goal and scored another on a penalty kick as the Fusion (6-12) won consecutive games for only the second time this year by beating the Crew (11-7) in front of 10,123 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Dallas 5, Kansas City --The Burn scored four times in the final 10 minutes before 7,485 at the Cotton Bowl to defeat the Wizards. Jason Kreis, leading the league with 36 points, had two goals and two assists for Dallas (10-9). Paul Broome, Chad Deering and Ted Eck each scored a goal. Kansas City fell to 4-13.

Chicago 2, New York-New Jersey --Jesse Marsch and Peter Nowak each scored to lead the host Fire (10-7) to its first win over the MetroStars (5-12) before 12,850.