Well, they scored. And Andy Najar looked even more like the next big thing.

But just like last Thursday night, United once again offered little else in the way of inspiring soccer on their way to a 2-1 defeat to the Los Angeles Galaxy in front of 17,688 at RFK Stadium last night. Edson Buddle also scored for the visitors, who used a good bit of fortune — a handball off of the hand of Julius James which led to Landon Donovan’s penalty goal — and a warm welcome from the fans at RFK who appreciated the American’s efforts at the World Cup to take the points. The Galaxy hold the best record in the league at 12-2-3 (39 points), while the loss sent United reeling back to the bottom of the standings at 3-11-3 (12 points).

It’s odd to say it, considering that MLS is normally a very balanced league, but the Galaxy were just a much more talented team than United on the field last night. The gap was obvious from the first minute of the game, when Donovan just pushed a shot over the crossbar after United keeper Troy Perkins fluffed a cross. The Galaxy kept the ball very well throughout the first half and generally dominated proceedings. Buddle looked especially dangerous against the over-matched D.C. defense, making an intuitive play minutes before halftime and converting on the ensuing confusion to draw first blood.