PASADENA, Calif., Aug. 22 (UPI) -- A goal by defender Alexi Lalas with seven minutes remaining in regulation Wednesday night gave the Los Angeles Galaxy a 2-1 victory over the Kansas City Wizards.
It was Lalas' fourth tally of the season, tying a career high he set in 1999 while wearing a Wizards uniform.
The Galaxy moved into the third seed in the playoff race.
Against the run of play, the Galaxy struck in the 31st minute with a goal by forward Carlos Ruiz, who pounced on a loose ball in the Wizards penalty area. A heel pass by midfielder Simon Elliott found Ezra Hendrickson in stride as he raced toward goal.
Hendrickson entered the box and fired a shot on goal which was saved by goalkeeper Tony Meola but Ruiz was there to deposit the rebound.
