Christian Gomez scored the gamewinner in D.C. United's 2-1 win over Chivas USA after taking the ball at the halfway line, evading three Chivas players and stroking the ball past keeper Preston Burpo. He also scored D.C. United's first goal with a high-powered swerving free kick from sharp angle. … D.C. United became the first team to clinch a playoff spot a day before the win over Chivas USA because of Kansas City's 2-1 loss to Los Angeles in front of 18,763 at the Depot. … Alan Gordon, the A-League rookie of the year with Portland in 2004, scored both Los Angeles goals. The Arizona product had previously notched one goal in 19 MLS games. … Los Angeles is now just two points out of a playoff spot. … Real Salt Lake dropped back into last place in the West with a 1-0 loss to Colorado, for whom Argentine Nicolas Hernandez scored his seventh goal. Salt Lake drew 17,343 for the game. … FC Dallas beat the Houston Dynamo for the first time thanks to a goal by Houston product Arturo Alvarez. In their previous three meetings Houston beat FC Dallas twice in league play and once in the U.S. Open Cup. … Last year's MLS runner-up New England was embarrassed, 3-0, in Columbus. Jason Garey and Eddie Gaven scored after keeper Matt Reis gave up rebounds from Brazilian Ricardo Virtuoso, 22, who was making his second start for the Crew. Columbus, although still MLS's worst team with 26 points, is only four points out of the playoff zone. … Dave Sarachan, who served Bruce Arena as an assistant coach at the University of Virginia, D.C. United and with the U.S. national team, came out on top when he faced off with Arena for the first time as MLS head coach. The Chicago Fire beat Arena's Red Bulls, 2-1, thanks to goals by Chris Rolfe and Diego Gutierrez in front 10,494 at Toyota Park.