Sean Franklin puts Galaxy past Real Salt Lake 1-0

CARSON, Calif. (AP) Sean Franklin scored on a dramatic 27-yard strike just after halftime, and the Los Angeles Galaxy opened their run at a third straight MLS championship with a 1-0 victory over Real Salt Lake on Sunday night in the first leg of the Western Conference semifinals.

Franklin's first goal in more than five months provided a small advantage for the third-seeded Galaxy when the clubs head to Utah on Thursday for the second leg.

Los Angeles is trying to become the first MLS team to win three straight titles despite losing two key components of its previous championship teams: star midfielder David Beckham and goal-scorer Mike Magee.

Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane had numerous chances up front throughout the match, but repeatedly failed to provide an additional cushion for the Galaxy.