Galaxy Can’t Catch Rapids

Nicolas Hernandez scored in the 41st minute to lift the Colorado Rapids to a 1-0 victory over the Galaxy on Saturday night at Invesco Field.

Thiago Martins took advantage of a turnover deep in the Galaxy end and passed to Kyle Beckerman, who put a low ball across the front of the goal. Hernandez took it and scored his team-leading sixth goal of the season.

Joe Cannon preserved the shutout with a diving save on a shot by Landon Donovan in the final minutes.

Cannon also made a save in the 35th minute when he tipped a shot by Quavas Kirk over the crossbar.

The Galaxy (6-11-5) lost an opportunity to close the gap on Colorado (9-8-4) and keep pace with Chivas USA in the Western Conference standings. Colorado pushed its point total to 31, eight more than the Galaxy. Chivas, which defeated Chicago on Saturday, has 30 points.