SANDY — It just may have been the biggest goal in Real Salt Lake's four-year history.

Midfielder Will Johnson's rocket off his right foot in the 54th minute could be the goal that propels RSL into the Major League Soccer playoffs for the first time.

"I have been saying it for a couple of weeks now, big games call for big players to make big plays, and that was a huge play," said coach Jason Kreis of what proved to be the game-winning goal in RSL's 3-1 win over FC Dallas at Rio Tinto Stadium on Saturday night.

Tied at 1-1 at the break, and playing with a man advantage after a 30th-minute ejection of Marcelo Saragosa for his second yellow card infraction, Real was beginning to feel the full effect of needing to secure the full three points at home and solidify its playoff position. The players were getting forward for more offense and creating chances. But as each opportunity went astray, the anticipation and pressure mounted.

Johnson's goal lifted a big burden.

"That is just the best feeling in the world. It's why you play the game," said Johnson of the tally. "To be able to get in there and celebrate it with your teammates is amazing."

The goal itself was a thing of beauty and could win the MLS Goal-of-the-Week. Johnson took a pass from defender Chris Wingert about 22 yards from goal with his back to the net. His first touch flipped the ball up in the air to his side and he spun and fired a side-volley blast past the helpless keeper Dario Sala.

"The ball came to me and after that first touch I just hit it. A ball like that, sometimes you just got to let it rip," Johnson said. "(Chris) Wingert was talking to me at halftime, and he mentioned that sometimes instead of playing the ball back out wide, to turn and do something more toward goal."

The coach also noticed that Johnson was making a more concerted effort on the field than last week's stadium-opening draw.

"He was doing some of the things that we appreciate about Will," said Kreis. "He was getting in some pockets and getting in there and digging the ball out in good shape. And the he took what was an absolute wonderful goal."

About the only thing that wasn't spectacular about Johnson's goal was the celebration. Johnson ran toward the corner and tried to slide on his knees. Unfortunately for him, the ground wasn't wet enough and he stuck and nearly face-planted before being mobbed by his teammates.

"Yeah, I don't really want to see that again," he said. "I was watching (Wayne) Rooney (of Manchester United) this morning, and he scored a great goal and then slid about 10 yards. That's what I wanted, but I can wait for the guys to get another look at that."

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