MLS soccer: Real Salt Lake's victory over Galaxy could carry major impact

SANDY — In the grand scheme of things, it was only three points, but Real Salt Lake's 1-0 win over Los Angeles on Wednesday could have a dramatic effect on the rest of the MLS season.

Now, the Galaxy might start feeling some pressure.

Prior to their visit to Rio Tinto Stadium, the Galaxy had been nearly perfect with a 10-0-2 record, a league-high 22 goals scored and a league-best three goals against. They'd opened up a 12-point cushion over Real Salt Lake in the Western Conference standings and, amazingly, were threatening to run away with the Supporter's Shield in early June.

One lucky bounce and a clinical finish from Javier Morales changed all that.

Now the gap is nine points, and with a game in hand, the deficit could easily be six points if RSL wins its extra game. In the English Premiere League, a six-point cushion at the top of the table is pretty significant, but not in MLS. That deficit can often be made up in a week.

A 12- or 15-point gap, however, is much tougher to overcome, which is why Wednesday night's clash was as close to a must-win situation as RSL will likely ever face in June.

"I wouldn't say must-win, but it was kind of out there that if we wanted to stay with them we needed to beat them tonight, and we have a game in hand," said RSL midfielder Andy Williams.

Despite handing L.A. its first loss of the season, coach Jason Kreis doesn't foresee a tailspin for the West leaders.

"I would hope so, but honestly I think with so many veteran players they have on their team, as experienced as they are and as well-coached as they are, I don't think it's going to turn into a waterfall situation — though I would like it to," said Kreis.

A big reason why Kreis and likely every other coach in MLS doesn't anticipate a drop-off is how good L.A. is defensively.

With four goals against through 13 games, the Galaxy are on pace to surrender just 9.2 goals over the 30-game season. It's a staggering total considering Seattle and Houston led MLS last year with 29 goals against.

L.A.'s unmatched defensive commitment can be extremely taxing for opponents who find it often impossible to break down.

"Doing the same thing for 70 minutes, it's a very different kind of game. It's frustrating, definitely, without question," said RSL's Ned Grabavoy.

With back-to-back shutouts, and just three goals against in their last six, Real Salt Lake is hoping to develop the same defensive moxie as the Galaxy. RSL better if it hopes to keep pace in the West.

e-mail: jedward@desnews.com