Despite having the best record in MLS, D.C. United took the field Saturday night looking to regain the form that has the team on pace for the second best season in MLS history. On paper, the visiting L.A. Galaxy seemed to be just what the doctor ordered. However, after a rough stretch that saw them lose 9 of 11 matches, the Galaxy have come around of late, losing only one of their last nine MLS matches and looking for more at RFK.

They certainly didn't waste time, with former United stalwart Santino Quaranta hitting the post just two minutes into the match. Alan Gordon put in a Cobi Jones deflection just two minutes later to give the Galaxy a 1-0 lead. The Red-and-Black seemed stunned, but regrouped to tie the score after an own goal by L.A.'s Troy Roberts in the ninth minute, caused by an attacking run by Jaime Moreno. Luckily for United, the tie score held through halftime. Their offensive spacing was uneven and they seemed content to work the ball up the right side of the field whenever they gained possesion.

The second half turned out to be a different story, however, as Landon Donovan, the J.J. Redick of MLS (everyone loves to hate him) took over, leading to L.A.'s 5-2 win. Donovan did it all offensively for L.A., whether it was instigating the team offense in the midfield or clearing space for others with his precision runs into the heart of United's defense. In short, he did everything that was expected of him in Germany during this summer's World Cup. He also found his own offense, scoring twice and setting up another goal. Donovan's performance left no doubt that he shines bright on the MLS stage.

Photos by Kyle Gustafson. More photos in the match's photogallery.

Despite a goal by DCist fave Facundo Erpen in the 69th minute that cut the deficit to one, United's performance in the second half was erratic at best. Second half substitutes Freddy Adu and Christian Gomez both had their moments but they were few and far between. D.C. seems to have hit the wall, leaving some to wonder if they've peaked too early. Not good, considering there are roughly six weeks remaining in the regular season.

The 24,159 in attendance at RFK certainly did their part, as they always do, taunting Donovan to the fullest. For his part, Donovan responded, running over to the Barra Brava after his first goal and goading the crowd. This did nothing to help the physical nature of play, especially in the second half. A total of six yellow cards were handed out, three for each side, and that doesn't include the non-call by referee Mark Geiger on the Ugo Ihemelu slide tackle that actually broke Domenic Mediate's leg.

In the post game press conference, United coach Peter Nowak kept calling the game a "cold shower" that he hoped would wake his team up from their recent lethargic play. Good news may be on the way, however; Argetine transfer Matias Donnet has received his work visa and should be cleared to play next Sunday against Chivas USA.