FCD top Galaxy to get back on track

Carlos Ruiz gave the Hoops the lead early in the first half, then Bobby Rhine was sent off just before the half ended. But FCD protected the lead to remain perfect in Frisco on the season and send the Galaxy to their second consecutive defeat to finish their three-game road trip.

For the Galaxy, Joseph Ngwenya got the start up top in place of Cornell Glen who has left to prepare for the world Cup with Trinidad & Tobago. In the 18th minute, Ngwenya got a good look at goal after beating Alex Yi with a nice turn in the area but his shot ended up wide of the goal.

It was to be the final match in a Galaxy uniform for Landon Donovan and Chris Albright before they join the U.S. national team to begin preparations for Germany 2006. But while Donovan pulled the strings as usual in midfield, Albright was kept out of the game as a precaution after suffering a hamstring pull on Monday.

The Hoops got on the score sheet with a bit of persistence, taking an early lead in the 20th minute by way of a Ruiz strike - just his second of the season.

Ramon Nunez took an initial shot that was deflected and fell to Ruiz, and he took a touch to control the ball before hitting a well-aimed shot through the crowded box inside to the far post.

Ronnie O'Brien was another bright spot for the Hoops with his tenacity in midfield, hitting several long distance shots that tested the young Galaxy 'keeper, Steve Cronin.

In the 24th minute O'Brien hit a knuckleball of a shot that was mishandled by Cronin, who was fortunate that no FC Dallas player followed up the shot.

Donovan did well to keep his team organized going forward but he was swarmed over in the attacking third every time he touched the ball.

FCD center back Alex Yi played a big role in limiting Donovan's chances as he anticipated several plays and made key clearances to give his club breathing room.

The Galaxy were given a lot more room in the 43rd minute when Rhine was given a straight red card for a foul on Ned Grabavoy. While the tackle did come in from in front of Grabavoy, Rhine's cleat was exposed giving referee Andrew Chapin reason enough for the ejection.

In the second half, the Hoops bunkered down in an attempt to preserve the lead. Dallas coach Colin Clarke also made a defensive substitution, bringing in Clarence Goodson for forward Kenny Cooper.

In the 62nd minute the Hoops were under fire with a flurry in front of goal, but Yi made a game-saving header. Ngwenya sent a header toward goal that hit the crossbar, but Yi headed away the rebound from the goalmouth over the crossbar and out of play.

Besides the victory, Hoops fans had more good news to cheer with the return of Richard Mulrooney to the field for the first time since May 14, 2005. Mulrooney took the field in the 69th minute in place of Ramon Nunez as Clarke made one more move to try and protect the lead.

Save for a few shots wide of goal, the Galaxy were ineffective even with the man advantage over the final 20 minutes of play.

In the 88th minute Mulrooney showed signs of his old self, sending a great ball up the middle to O'Brien. But the Irish midfielder was ruled offside; had his run been better timed the ball would have set him up perfectly.

The Hoops now have 14 points from seven games, two ahead of Houston Dynamo, as the two Texas rivals face off once again on Saturday afternoon in a quick turnaround for FCD (4 p.m. ET, ESPN2), the teams having played to a thrilling 4-3 Dynamo victory last Saturday night in Houston.

Scott Joiner is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.