MLS: Los Angeles 3, Columbus 1

CARSON, Calif., Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Dema Kovalenko scored the decisive goal Saturday, boosting the Los Angele Galaxy to a 3-1 Major League Soccer victory over Columbus.

Edson Buddle got the Galaxy going with a goal (14th this season) in the 13th minute and Kovalenko made it 2-0 in the 35th minute. Jovan Kirovski's header 20 minutes later made it 3-0.

The Crew's lone goal came from Andres Mendoza in the late going.

With the win, Los Angeles (14-5-5) retook the top overall position in the league, three points better than Columbus(13-6-5) and Real Salt Lake.

David Beckham played his first MLS game since tearing his Achilles tendon six months ago. He entered the game in the 70th minute and left 4 minutes later after receiving a yellow card.