Dos Santos gives Galaxy edge heading into 2nd leg with Rapids

The LA Galaxy's quest to capture a fourth MLS Cup in six years remains on course.

By virtue of a fortuitous 55th-minute header from Mexican superstar Giovani Dos Santos in Sunday's Western Conference semifinal clash, Bruce Arena's side will head into next week's second-leg fixture with a 1-0 lead over the Colorado Rapids.

Related - Watch: Hilarity inside Colorado box allows Dos Santos to find the net

It wasn't pretty - far from it, in truth - and the goal that ultimately gave the home side its edge was emblematic of the contest as a whole.

A game of pinball broke out inside the penalty area, with a Dos Santos header smacking off unfortunate defender Axel Sjoberg before nestling into the net.

Despite the loss, the Rapids will feel comfortable heading back to Dick's Sporting Goods Park next week, as Pablo Mastroeni's side went undefeated at home in the regular season.

It is, as they say, finely poised.