Morales goal sees RSL run out 1-0 winners over attack-minded Chivas USA

Real Salt Lake started a three-game home stand with a 1-0 win over Chivas USA, with Javier Morales scoring the lone goal of the night and Nick Rimando making a vital penalty save in the first half.

Morales's goal, a headed effort that beat Kennedy at the near post, came after a cross from Alvaro Saborio, a classic example of creator and goalscorer switching spots for the night. Javier Morales started the move, making an interception at the halfway line after a loose pass; Ned Grabavoy played Olmes Garcia in, who made no mistake with his pass Saborio.

Saborio's cross to the middle of the box caught Morales making a perfect run to the middle of the box, losing his defenders, and Morales left Kennedy struggling to keep up.

Rimando made a vital penalty save in the first half after Ned Grabavoy was called for a handball in the box. The ball hit Grabavoy's arm, which was perhaps slightly away from his body at best as he jumped to defend a corner kick.

Rimando dove the right way on the penalty and made the save in spectacular fashion, and a whiffed ball from another Chivas USA player saw RSL's defense given enough time to recover and make several important blocks.

RSL hit the post several times throughout the night and perhaps could have won by more, but Jason Kreis will be pleased to walk away with three points at home against a side unafraid to attack on the road. Olmes Garcia hit twice; Javier Morales hit once.

Chivas USA player Edgar Mejia was sent off during stoppage time after an apparent elbow on Grabavoy, but Chivas USA's coaching staff beat him to the locker room after showing some apparent distaste for the red card.