Real Salt Lake were never close to competing for even a point against LAFC in their first visit to the Banc of California Stadium, dropping 2-0 to the MLS newcomers.
It was a continuation of a particularly bad road trend, with RSL losing their 10th road game of the season.
Perhaps worse for Real Salt Lake is that Nick Rimando left the match with a hamstring injury at halftime, leaving the team playing their fourth-string goalkeeper.
It was nearly an early heartbreaker for Real Salt Lake in the 9th minute, with Christian Ramirez looking to have scored following a slightly offside run from Carlos Vela, but a late call kept the game level.