MLS: Los Angeles 2, Colorado 0

CARSON, Calif., July 11 (UPI) -- Carlos Ruiz scored an insurance goal late in the second half late Saturday as the Galaxy blanked the Colorado Rapids, 2-0.

Rookie Ned Grabavoy gave Los Angeles the lead in the 39th minute when he took a hard foul from Kyle Beckerman just outside the penalty area. He then curled a free kick into the goalmouth that bounced off the chest of distracted goalkeeper Joe Cannon and into the net.

The Galaxy nursed the lead until the 80th minute, when Ruiz was fouled by Nat Borchers just inches outside the 18-yard box. He fired a low blast that deflected off a Rapids defender and through Cannon's hands.

It capped a frustrating night for Ruiz, who was called offsides four times. But he leads MLS with nine goals and has scored in eight of the 10 matches he's played.

Colorado had a chance to get on the board in the 87th minute when Chris Aloisi was called for a hand ball in the penalty area. John Spencer took the ensuing penalty kick, but Kevin Hartman dived and kicked out the ball.