PASADENA, Calif. (AP) -- Carlos Ruiz scored all three goals Saturday as the Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the New York/New Jersey MetroStars 3-0.

It was Ruiz highest-scoring game since joining the Galaxy this season. Ruiz also became the first Galaxy player to score three goals in a game since 1998.

With the win, the Galaxy moved into a first-place tie in the Western Conference.

The MetroStars (10-12-2) led 16-13 in shots, but Los Angeles (13-9-3) answered with eight shots on goal compared to six for the MetroStars.

"We took an early goal, we didn't connect well between the lines and we missed clear opportunities to score,'' New York/New Jersey coach Ocatvio Zambrano said. "When these three factors combine, you're not going to have a good night.''

MetroStars leading scorer Mamadou Diallo was removed from the game in the 33rd minute following a collision with Galaxy defender Danny Califf.

Diallo was taken from the field by stretcher and was transported to Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena. A team spokesman said an examination showed Diallo suffered a bruised left ankle and would be questionable for New York/New Jersey's next game in Dallas on Thursday night.

The MetroStars had to play the final 38 minutes with 10 players after referee Michael Kennedy issued a red card to New York/New Jersey defender Craig Ziadie following a rough sliding tackle on Cobi Jones.

Kennedy initially issued a yellow card to Ziadie, but changed it to a red card after a discussion with fourth official Richard Heron. Under MLS rules, Ziadie will also be suspended for New York/New Jersey's next game.

The three goals increased Los Angeles' season total to 42, tying San Jose.

An estimated 19,854 people attended the game at the Rose Bowl.