Jul 31, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Real Salt Lake celebrates a goal by midfielder Javier Morales (11) during the second half against the Philadelphia Union at Talen Energy Stadium. Real Salt Lake won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Real Salt Lake scored two second-half goals to defeat the Philadelphia Union on the road on Sunday night. This win kept them in playoff contention in the West.

It was a massive three points for RSL tonight, as the Utah club picked up their first win since June 22nd. The Union were unable to hold onto their lead in the second half and lost their second straight match.

Joao Plata almost opened the scoring in the 15th minute when his effort hit the post. The forward looked dangerous from the get go, as his pace would cause problems for the Union defense throughout the night.

The Union would earn a penalty call in the 42nd minute when C..J. Sapong was brought down by Aaron Maund. Roland Alberg would convert from the spot as the Dutch midfielder picked up his 7th MLS goal of the season.

It only took the away side a few minutes into the second half to find the equalizer. Plata scored a fantastic goal that came down off the crossbar and into the net. It was by far the highlight of the night.

In the 54th minute they would grab the lead outright, as Javier Morales’s shot took a deflection that sailed over the head of Andre Blake.

Nick Rimando and the RSL defense came up with a couple of last stitch saves to keep their side ahead. At the full-time whistle it was the visitors that celebrated the win.

RSL improve their record to 9-7-6 as they currently sit in fifth place in the Western Conference. The Union fall back to fourth place on goal differential in the Eastern Conference.

All Goals

Alberg converts the penalty for 1-0 for @PhilaUnion just before the break. #PHIvRSL https://t.co/jHCQStgHPE — Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 31, 2016

Take a bow, Joao! Plata with the stunning equalizer for @RealSaltLake #PHIvRSL https://t.co/QMZVZ06hge — Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 1, 2016

And just like that it's 2-1. Morales gives the visitors the lead in #PHIvRSL https://t.co/TXLPU4qpeT — Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 1, 2016

Real Salt Lake will now be looking ahead to their next match against Toronto FC as they look to extend their unbeaten run to four games. The Philadelphia Union may have lost ground in the Eastern Conference with the loss, but they are still in the mix for a playoff spot. They will next face D.C. United away from home.