Late Cristian Techera strike gives Vancouver Whitecaps victory over Real Salt Lake

Vancouver Whitecaps have defeated Real Salt Lake 2-1 in the MLS courtesy of Cristian Techera scoring a late winning goal.

Pedro Morales saw his long-range effort towards the bottom corner saved by Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando in the 11th minute.

Gerard Koffie then hit the crossbar a few minutes later as Vancouver pushed for the opening goal.

It came in the 36th minute, when Koffie's individual effort found the back of the net.

Vancouver could not hold onto the lead going into half time, though, as Javier Morales netted his third of the season in stoppage time.

The teams traded chances in the opening part of the second half, with Octavio Rivero and Devon Sandoval failing to hit the target for their respective teams.

Vancouver's Kendall Watson forced a diving save from Rimando with his header in the 67th minute.

Techera grabbed the winner with 11 minutes remaining, lifting Vancouver up to second in the Western Conference table.