Dallas clinched the number one seed in the MLS Western Conference for the post-season with a 1-0 victory over Real Salt Lake on Saturday.

Real could have taken the lead in the first half when the ball fell into the path of Juan Manuel Martinez in the box, but he could only fire his strike straight at Jesse Gonzalez.

Kyle Beckerman then missed another golden chance for the home side as he latched on to Javier Morales's cross at the back post, but he headed his effort over the bar.

The visitors hit back when Mauro Diaz lifted the ball into the box from a corner and Walker Zimmerman rose highest to meet it, but he sent his effort wide of the post.

Dallas took the lead in the 57th minute when Diaz released the run of David Texeira with a incisive through-ball, and the forward made no mistake firing his strike past Jeff Attinella.

The home side pushed late in the game for an equaliser, but Beckerman's strike on the half-volley went inches past the post.

Dallas held out for the win that secured them home-field advantage for the post-season, while Salt Lake were eliminated from playoff contention for the first time in seven years.