Real Salt Lake have started their 2014 MLS campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy away from home.

The hosts had the better of the chances in the opening minutes, with Juninho, Marcelo Sarvas, Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane all going close.

The first chance for Real came on 25 minutes when Joao Plata had his effort from inside the Galaxy box saved.

However, the home side soon regained control of the contest, as Keane rattled the post with a right-footed shot 10 minutes from half time.

Galaxy continued to dominate proceedings at the Stubhub Center in Carson, California at the start of the second half, but Real soon stepped up their game with Plata and Alvaro Saborio creating chances.

It was Plata who eventually proved to be the match winner as he scored the only goal of the game in the 80th minute, latching on to Kyle Beckerman's through-ball before lashing home from inside the hosts' penalty area.