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.