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RSL survives at StubHub Center

Mar 9, 2014 - 6:44 AM Carson, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - Real Salt Lake escaped from the StubHub Center on Saturday with all three points in tact as a goal from Joao Plata and some late heroics from Nick Rimando saw the Claret and Cobalt get a 1-0 victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Plata struck 10 minutes from time to give the visitors a narrow lead, one that Rimando preserved when he stopped a penalty from Robbie Keane deep into second-half stoppage time.

The result sees Jeff Cassar collect a win in his first outing as a head coach, lifting Real Salt Lake to momentous start to the new season.

The best chance of the opening period fell to the Galaxy in the 34th minute when Keane curled a right-footed shot that looked destined for the back of the net, but the Irishman's effort came back off the post.

Real Salt Lake thought it had taken the lead in the 76th minute only to see its goal disallowed with Luke Mulholland harshly being ruled offside.

It ultimately made no difference as Plata broke the deadlock four minutes later, latching on to Kyle Beckerman's through ball and slotting a shot past Jaime Penedo.

The Galaxy were awarded a late penalty when Rob Friend was up-ended by Tony Beltran in the box, but Rimando spoiled the potential equalizer by denying Keane on the ensuing spot attempt and securing Salt Lake with a win to open the season.