Juninho scored the only goal of the game as the Los Angeles Galaxy climbed up to fourth in the Western Conference with a 1-0 win over Real Salt Lake on Wednesday evening.
It was a promising start from the Galaxy, and they were awarded a penalty in just the sixth minute when Jamison Olave could only bring down Ignacio Maganto in the box.
Juninho took on the responsibility from 12 yards to send Nick Rimando the wrong way with a calmly-taken penalty.
The hosts should have doubled their lead a few moments later, but Jose Villarreal could only fire wide of the target after being picked out by Baggio Husidic.
Salt Lake improved as the first half progressed but they remained on the back foot for long spells and almost conceded a second when Maganto curled just past the post.
The Galaxy enjoyed another long spell on top early in the second half, but Gyasi Zardes could only shoot wide after a cross somehow reached him in the box.
Los Angeles were forced to survive a late spell of pressure as Salt Lake fought back, but it was a disappointing finish as Olave picked up a red card for an elbow on Robbie Keane.
Callum Mulvihill
