Victory keeps team near top

WASHINGTON -- Alecko Eskandarian had a goal and an assist to help Chivas USA beat D.C. United, 3-0, Saturday.

Chivas (11-10-6) remains four points behind the Houston Dynamo for first place in the Western Conference. The Dynamo defeated Colorado, 3-1, Saturday.

D.C. United (10-14-3) is winless in six games and a point out of the eighth and final playoff spot.

Eskandarian, the MLS Cup’s most valuable player for D.C. United in 2004, opened the scoring in the 35th minute.

Goalie Louis Crayton came off his line and misplayed what looked like an easy pass from defender Gonzalo Peralta. Chivas striker Dejair got control of the ball and sent it to Eskandarian, who played the ball into a wide-open net.

Dejair, making his MLS debut, also finished the game with a goal and an assist.

In the 56th minute, Eskandarian got behind the back line again and shot a ball to the near post. Crayton made the initial save, but Sasha Victorine put the rebound in. Eskandarian got an assist on Chivas’ third goal with a long cross that found Dejair at the far post.