MLS wrap: Galaxy on verge of Shield, Seattle stay close

Los Angeles Galaxy moved a step closer to their second successive Supporters Shield on Saturday with a 2-1 win over Real Salt Lake.

The Supporters Shield is awarded to the side with the most points after the regular season, and the result sees Galaxy leading Seattle Sounders by seven points with just three matches remaining.

A win against New York Red Bulls on Wednesday would secure Galaxy the Supporters Shield as well as their third straight Western Conference championship.

Things did not look bright for the Galaxy’s stars at the Home Depot Center on Saturday, when Fabian Espindola put the visitors in front with a header just before half-time.

After the break it was all Los Angeles, however, and they equalised through a Chad Barrett goal and when Real defender Nat Borchers scored an own goal after 72 minutes, the Galaxy had sewn up all three points.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Seattle Sounders came from behind to pick up a 2-1 away win over New England in Massachusetts to keep their slim chances of taking the Supporters Shield alive.

Houston Dynamo were held to a 1-1 draw at home to the Chicago Fire in Texas.

American midfielder Colin Clark opened the scoring for the hosts on 33 minutes, only for Ghanaian striker Dominic Oduro to reply 10 minutes later.

Toronto were pegged back late by a sublime solo effort from Thierry Henry in their 1-1 draw with New York Red Bulls.

Danny Koevermans netted five minutes after the interval at BMO Field in Ontario, and it looked like the hosts would hold on before Henry found the back of the net.

The French striker had earlier put Luke Rogers through on goal, only for the Englishman to sky his chance, but Henry was on hand to claim a point for the visitors with a sublime turn and shot.

The Colorado Rapids edged FC Dallas 1-0 courtesy of Drew Moor’s first-half strike, before holding on with 10 men after French defender Miguel Comminges was sent off with 15 minutes remaining.

And San Jose Earthquakes played out a 1-1 draw at home against Sporting Kansas City at Buck Shaw Stadium.

San Jose had to wait until the 85th minute to open the scoring in front of their home supporters through Chris Wondolowski, but Kansas City hit back a minute later with a Teal Bunbury goal to ensure a share of the spoils.