Galaxy Falls to D.C. United

Diego Serna scored in the 51st minute, but the Galaxy fell to D.C. United, 2-1, in a Major League Soccer game Saturday night at Washington.

Carlos Ruiz appeared to tie the score in the 87th minute during a wild scramble in front of the goal, but he was ruled offside.

Dema Kovalenko scored the fastest goal this season for United (8-8-6), finding open space near the top of the penalty area in the third minute and firing a left-footed shot inside the far post.

The Galaxy (7-8-8), which has given up a goal or less in 17 games this season, gave up one to Ben Olsen in the first half on a lower shot to the same post.

The game marked the return of 20-year-old midfielder Bobby Convey, who subbed for Olsen in the 63rd minute. It was Convey’s first appearance for United since June 28.

He was set to be transferred to Tottenham Hotspur of the English Premier League, but he returned to Washington after he was refused a work permit in Britain late last month.

New York/New Jersey 2, Kansas City 1 -- Clint Mathis scored twice to lead the MetroStars at Kansas City, Mo.

The MetroStars (9-6-7) are 20-0-4 in MLS games in which Mathis has scored.

His first goal came when he headed in Amado Guevara’s corner kick during first-half stoppage time. His ninth goal came in the 59th minute.

Kansas City (7-8-8), winless in seven games, cut the lead in the 79th minute on Preki’s penalty kick.

Columbus 1, Chicago 1 -- Carlos Bocanegra scored in the 66th minute to help give Chicago a tie at Naperville, Ill.

The Fire (11-5-7), which has not lost consecutive games this season, remained in first place in the Eastern Conference, six points ahead of the MetroStars.

Edson Buddle scored his sixth goal of the season for the Crew (7-9-7).

Colorado 2, Dallas 1 -- Chris Henderson scored in the 76th minute for the victory at Denver.

Chris Carrieri scored in the 53rd minute for Colorado (10-9-4). Dallas (4-14-4) scored in the 24th minute on a penalty kick by Brad Davis.