Real Salt Lake ease past Los Angeles Galaxy in MLS clash

Real Salt Lake stunned the Los Angeles Galaxy by recording a 3-0 victory over the reigning MLS Cup holders in their clash at Rio Tinto Stadium.

The home side took the lead in the third minute when Javier Morales lifted the ball into the box and Aaron Maund's header found Devon Sandoval, who fired the ball past Donovan Ricketts.

Los Angeles almost hit back as Steven Gerrard was afforded space and time inside the penalty area, but his strike was well saved by Nick Rimando.

Real were handed the opportunity to double their advantage when Juan Manuel Martinez was brought down in the box by Juninho. Morales took the spot kick and buried the ball beyond the reach of Ricketts.

The Galaxy threatened just before the break when Gerrard found the run of Robbie Keane, who fired a low effort towards the bottom corner, only to see his strike saved by Rimando.

In the second half, the home side came within inches of adding to their lead when Martinez teed up Jordan Allen on the edge of the box, but his strike clattered off the post and bounced to safety.

Salt Lake did get their third goal as Martinez again the pulled the strings to hold off two men in the corner and then lifted the ball over the top for Sandoval to fire past Ricketts for his second strike of the match.

The Galaxy could have got a goal back right at the death but Alan Gordon was denied in a one-on-one situation by a fine save from Rimando, while Edson Buddle miscued the rebound, as the hosts secured a comfortable win.

Salt Lake moved up to eighth in the Western Conference with their win, while the Galaxy remain in second.