Real Salt Lake edged out the Montreal Impact 1-0 to move three points clear at the top of the Western Conference, but needed a little luck to do.

GettyImagesPaulo Junior (L) celebrates scoring the only goal of the game for Real Salt Lake

Paulo Junior got the goal from the penalty spot in the 13th minute, but only after Justin Braun was harshly penalised for handling in the area when struck on the arm from close range.

The win sees Real pull three points clear in the West, although both San Jose and Colorado behind them have played a game less.

Montreal, meanwhile remain one place off the foot of the Eastern Conference with only one point to show for their five matches so far.