Real Salt Lake have defeated Seattle Sounders 2-1 to climb to the top of the MLS Standings.

It took until the 53rd minute of the clash between the division's top two sides at the Rio Tinto Stadium before the deadlock was broken.

Joao Plata was the man who found the target with a headed effort which put Salt Lake ahead and on course for top spot.

Luke Mulholland added a second shortly after to put the Royals in command, although Chad Barrett pulled a goal back with his tap in 20 minutes from time to set up a tense finale.

Seattle were unable to find a leveller, though, meaning that Salt Lake climb above their opponents.