MLS wrap: Rapids rout Red Bulls, Galaxy edge Crew

A stunning hat-trick from Gambian midfielder Sanna Nyassi led Colorado to a 4-1 win over New York Red Bulls in Wednesday’s MLS action.

The 22-year-old put the Rapids ahead in just the first minute of the match at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, and when Wells Thompson netted after 25 minutes the home side were firmly in control.

Nyassi scored his second on the half-hour mark and completed his hat-trick after passing Carlos Mendes and firing a shot past Red Bulls goalkeeper Frank Rost in the 61st minute.

French star Thierry Henry scored a consolation for New York, but the damage had been done by Nyassi’s masterclass.

The Red Bulls managed to hold onto second place in the Eastern Conference standings thanks to the Los Angeles Galaxy’s 1-0 win over the third-placed Columbus Crew at The Home Depot Center.

The Galaxy had to work hard for the three points, however, with defender Sean Franklin scoring the only goal of the game after 70 minutes to move Los Angeles four points clear of the Seattle Sounders on top of the Western Conference table.

Elsewhere on Wednesday, a 73rd minute strike from Stephen McCarthy was enough to give New England a 1-0 win on the road over DC United, while Break Shea netted three minutes after half-time to hand Dallas a 1-0 win at Toronto.

And the Vancouver Whitecaps twice came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw with the San Jose Earthquakes at Buck Shaw Stadium.

Chris Wondolowski scored both goals for San Jose, but Eric Hassli responded with a brace of his own to claim a point for the visitors.