Joel Lindpere's 19th minute strike gave the New York Red Bulls an early 1-0 lead over the Los Angeles Galaxy, and that would prove to be the difference on Saturday night, as the Red Bulls secured a pivotal road win at the Home Depot Center.
It was an efficient offensive effort from New York, as Lindpere's goal came on the only shot on net for the team on the night. The Red Bulls were playing without star striker Thierry Henry, and adopted a defensive posture throughout most of the match.
Los Angeles held an edge in possession (63 - 37 percent) and outshot New York (13 - 11), but was never able to solve goalie Ryan Meara. Meara made four saves en route to his second consecutive clean sheet.
The victory is New York's fifth of the season, and they have now crawled within two points of DC United for second place in the Eastern Conference table. The Red Bulls are (5-3-1, 16 points). The struggling Galaxy are (3-5-1, 10 points).
The Red Bulls next take the pitch Wednesday night at home against Houston.
For more on the Red Bulls 2012 season, stay tuned to our StoryStream. See SB Nation's Once A Metro for more discussion of the Red Bulls.