Johnson's goal lifts Real Salt Lake past DC United

Salt Lake (14-10-4) has shut out two consecutive league opponents after a scoreless draw against Philadelphia a week earlier.

United (12-10-5) is winless in four of its last five MLS contests.

After a scoreless opening half, Salt Lake took the lead on Johnson's goal in the fourth minute of the second half. Ned Grabavoy backed a pass to Paulo Jr. on the left side of the penalty area, and Paulo Jr. sent a cross into the 6-yard box that was deflected by DC defender Brandon McDonald. Johnson got his head under the deflected ball and knocked it home.

DC tried to come up with the tying score in the 63rd minute when Dwayne De Rosario kicked a right footer from the center of the box. Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando came up with the diving save at the bottom corner of the right post.

Salt Lake was fortunate not to yield several first-half goals. D.C. relentlessly attacked and set up several good scoring chances throughout the half.