Real Salt Lake secured a vital win over the New England Revolution to move up to second place in the MLS Western Conference.

The home side came close to taking the lead in the 10th minute but Kyle Beckerman saw his low shot well saved by Bobby Shuttleworth, as he got down low to parry the ball away with one hand.

Salt Lake were handed the chance to take the lead when Darrius Barnes brought down Chris Schuler in the area and a penalty was awarded. Javier Morales took the spot kick and buried his effort into the bottom corner.

Barnes made up for his error immediately by getting his side back on level terms as he met Chris Tierney's free kick with a diving header which nestled into the back of the net.

After the break, the Revolution came close to going ahead as Jose Goncalves volleyed an effort at goal and his shot was saved by Nick Rimando, but the ball spun across the goalline and went just wide of the post.

Real were awarded another spot kick in the 65th minute when Tierney hacked down John Stertzer in the box. Joao Plata took the penalty and fired his shot into the top corner, leaving Shuttleworth with no chance.

Morales could have added a third goal for Salt Lake as the Revolution pushed for an equaliser, but his low effort went inches past the post.

New England made one late push but Teal Bunbury saw his effort from inside the box blocked as the home side managed to hold out for the three points.