Johnson goal earns important victory for Orlando at Salt Lake

On his return to Real Salt Lake, where he was head coach from 2007-13, Jason Kreis saw his Orlando City SC side claim a 1-0 win thanks to a first-half goal from another man with connections to the Utah club, Will Johnson.

Orlando opened the scoring in the 17th when former RSL midfielder Johnson reacted quickest to a loose ball in the penalty area. The Canadian international forced home his second goal of the season after Jose Aja headed Kaka's left-wing free kick against the bar.

The home side struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. After 63 minutes, Luis Silva was played through on goal but a heavy first touch allowed Orlando goalkeeper Joe Bendik to parry the ball to safety. Twelve minutes later, Joao Plata curled a low free kick just wide.

With the win -- just its second on the road all season -- Orlando stays fourth in the Eastern Conference; Kreis' side is next in action on Wednesday when it hosts Toronto. A day earlier, RSL visits the LA Galaxy; Mike Petke's men remain 10th in the west, having now lost 12 of its 19 games this season.