Zimmerman strike enough for FC Dallas in 1-0 win over Galaxy

Los Angeles (AFP) – Walker Zimmerman’s first-half header was enough to give FC Dallas a 1-0 victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy, who nevertheless clinched a Major League Soccer playoff berth.

Zimmerman on Saturday scored the lone goal in the 39th minute, heading in Mauro Diaz’s corner kick.

The home win in Frisco, Texas, put Dallas five points ahead of the Colorado Rapids, New York Red Bulls and New York City FC in the race for the MLS Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the team with the best regular-season record.

The Galaxy’s best chance to score came in the 19th, when Giovani dos Santos, Robbie Keane and Steven Gerrard combined on a breakaway, with Gerrard ending up with the ball inside the area. Dallas goalkeeper Chris Seitz charged off his line to cut down the angle, but Gerrard pushed his shot wide.

It was the first time in six matches that the Galaxy failed to score, and the first time this season they suffered back-to-back defeats.

But Los Angeles secured their MLS Cup playoff berth for the eighth straight season when the Rapids defeated the Portland Timbers 1-0.

Sebastien Le Toux scored in the 63rd minute for the Rapids, who booked their first playoff berth since 2013.

In Eastern Conference action, Dax McCarty scored the game winning goal in the 66th minute, securing New York Red Bulls 3-2 victory over the Philadelphia Union.

McCarty played a part in two other goals as the Red Bulls moved into a tie with New York City FC atop the East.

The Red Bulls also had goals from Sacha Kljestan and Bradley Wright-Phillips — whose 21st of the season tied him with NYC FC’s David Villa for the Golden Boot lead.

Chris Pontius and Fabian Herbers scored for Philadelphia, who fell to fifth place in the East and also saw center back Joshua Yaro stretchered off in the first half after a scary aerial collision.