Real Salt Lake in first with 2-0 win over Columbus

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Javier Morales scored on a free kick in the fourth minute to help Real Salt Lake defeat Columbus and move into first place in the Western Conference for the first time in the franchise's four-year history.

Morales curled a direct kick around Columbus' wall from 23 yards out for his third goal this season for RSL (6-6-5), which doubled its lead in the 78th minute on a goal by Robbie Findley.

The Crew (8-5-3) nearly tied the game in the 50th minute, but Guillermo Barros Shelotto's shot hit the post.

RSL goalkeeper Nick Rimando made two saves for his sixth shutout of the season, tying him with Kansas City's Kevin Hartman for most in the league.

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