By IVES GALARCEP

Earlier in the week, the Seattle Sounders had some bounces go their way as they rallied to a dramatic CONCACAF Champions League victory. On Saturday, they watched as two key bounces went about as badly as possible, eventually costing them a chance for a road victory.

Real Salt Lake’s Javier Morales converted a penalty kick off a handball, then Sebastian Jaime headed home an insurance goal off a shot that blasted off the crossbar, on the way to a 2-0 victory over the Sounders at Rio Tinto Stadium.

The Sounders were coming in off a dramatic comeback victory against CD Olimpia in CCL action, but they failed to show the attacking prowess they flashed in last week’s rout of Orlando City.

It wasn’t just a few bounces that didn’t go Seattle’s way. The Sounders were largely outplayed by an RSL side desperate to try and revive its playoff chances.

RSL tested Seattle’s defense early, with Jaime forcing an outstanding save by Frei in the 11th minute. RSL’s passing sliced up Seattle’s back line to find that chance, and it wouldn’t be the last one the home team would find.

Just seconds after Frei’s save, RSL pressured again and drew a penalty when a Luis Silva pass struck Sounders defender Roman Torres in the hand in the penalty area. Morales converted the spot kick to give RSL the league in the 13th minute.

RSL added to its lead in the 19th minute when Luke Mulholland struck a hard shot from distance off the post. The rebound fell to Jaime, who quickly headed it into an open net to make the score 2-0.

The Sounders nearly pulled one back in the 35th minute, only to have an Obafemi Martins volley rattle off the crossbar.

That was one of the few looks the Sounders generated on a night when they managed just one shot on goal, and were outshot 13-5.

RSL held a considerable 58-42 edge in possession and control the flow of play for much of the night.

With the win, RSL inches closer to the playoff pack in the West, though RSL is still three points behind the Sounders for sixth place. The Sounders missed an opportunity to try and close in on the top teams in the West.

RSL will look to knock off another team in playoff position next week when it visits FC Dallas on Saturday. The Sounders return to Seattle on Aug. 30 to take on arch-rival Portland Timbers.