Galaxy Can’t Win, No Matter the Spin

DENVER — A 2-1 loss to the Colorado Rapids Saturday meant the resurgence of the Galaxy lasted only one game.

However, Galaxy midfielder Cobi Jones saw some hopeful signs in the loss, particularly in a 9-3 edge in shots in the second half.

“I think the team’s definitely headed forward,” Jones said. “I think it would be a real mistake to see this game as a setback.”

But the game, played before 10,335 fans at Mile High Stadium, certainly wasn’t on a par with the Galaxy’s previous game, a 4-1 victory over Tampa Bay.

Jones did his part, setting up defender Paul Caligiuri for L.A.’s only score, but that came in the 83rd minute.

Colorado’s first score was the result of a three-man attack in the Galaxy’s penalty area in the 19th minute when Chris Henderson converted past Galaxy goalie Jorge Campos.

Campos was caught napping a bit on the next score, 15 minutes later. A through ball went to a breaking Paul Bravo, who seized the chance, striking a half-volley over the backpedaling Campos.

Caligiuri finally broke into the Galaxy lineup after suing Major League Soccer and sitting out during a salary cap dispute. He was impressive on his score, outleaping the Rapid defense at the back of the box to nail the header, but seemed unfit to play at other times.

With the victory, Colorado (8-8, 22 points) retained sole possession of second place in the Western Conference The Galaxy (4-10, 10 points) is in last place, but only one point behind fourth-place San Jose.

Other games

Preki and Flank Klopas each had a goal and two assists to lead the Kansas City Wizards to a 6-1 victory before 10,124 over visiting D.C. United. . . . Carlos Valderrama scored his third goal and helped set up two other scoring plays in front of 9,462 as the Tampa Bay Mutiny beat the San Jose Clash, 3-1, for their sixth victory in seven home games. . . . Brian McBride scored on a penalty kick in the 86th minute to give the Columbus Crew a 2-1 victory over the visiting New York-New Jersey MetroStars before 17,190.