Real Salt Lake and the Philadelphia Union played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in their MLS clash at the Rio Tinto Stadium.

The home side took the lead in the 27th minute when they won a free kick on the edge of the area and Javier Morales's strike found the net with the aid of a deflection.

However, Union responded immediately as Cristian Maidana raided down the right and his cross was deflected towards goal, forcing Nick Rimando into a diving stop, but Fernando Aristeguieta was on hand to turn in the rebound from close range.

Aristeguieta notched his second of the game to fire his side ahead just before the break as he collected a throw-in and beat two men before firing an effort at goal, which was deflected into the net past a helpless Rimando.

After the break, Real came within inches of getting back on level terms when Luis Gil struck the post with a powerful shot after being found unmarked inside the penalty area.

The hosts did get their equaliser when Jamison Olave bundled the ball home from close range after a scramble took place in the six-yard box following a corner.

However, the parity lasted just minutes as Olave put the ball into his own net to hand Union the lead, slicing his clearance after Maidana had put the ball into a dangerous area.

Salt Lake pushed to get back into the game, but looked to be denied when Rais Mbohli made an impressive save to deny Jordan Allen.

With just four minutes left in the match, the home side were given the chance to net an equaliser when Luke Mulholland was brought down in the area and a penalty was awarded.

Alvaro Saborio took the spot kick and fired past Mbohli to earn Salt Lake a point.