DENVER (AP) -- John Spencer had the first three-goal game in Colorado history as the Rapids beat D.C. United 3-1 on Wednesday night.

Scott Garlick, playing in his second game for Colorado, made 13 saves to help the Rapids (3-8-5) to their first victory since May 12.

Carlos Valderrama, acquired along with Garlick last week in a trade with Tampa Bay, assisted on Spencer's third goal in the 81st minute.

"Everyone came to the park looking for excitement from the guy with the bushy hair," Rapids coach Tim Hankinson said of Valderrama. "Now it turns out the excitement came from the guy with no hair (Spencer)."

Garlick had an assist on Spencer's goal 39 seconds into the game with a field-length kick. Spencer got to the ball before United defender Eddie Pope, who went down with a groin injury and later left the game.

"I think Eddie Pope got caught dreaming and managed to get crossed up," Spencer said. "The ball was there and I put it into the back of the net."

United (5-9-1) tied it in the 56th minute on Jaime Moreno's goal. Three minutes later, Ross Paule headed the ball to Spencer, who scored his second goal.