Before Real Salt Lake’s 3-1 away win over Sporting KC on Saturday night, RSL captain and central midfielder Javier Morales knew something had to change.

“I talked with the guys before the game,” Morales said. “It’s time to change the mentality because two losses in a row is not good for any team.”

RSL hadn’t scored a goal in either of its last two games, both road losses, and the team came up against a Sporting KC team that RSL was tied on points with.

A change in mentality, and execution, was exactly what Morales saw out of his teammates.

“I’m super proud of my team because, beside the three points, I think the way we did it was great,” Morales said. “The reaction of the team was great because we got the win and now we are ready to go to Columbus.”

Before the three-goal outburst at Children’s Mercy Park, RSL hadn’t scored a single goal in the last two losses. This was also the first time RSL had scored three goals in a game this season.

RSL coach Jeff Cassar said the offensive output was as much to the credit as the defense’s strength. Javier Morales added that circumstances have been different, citing a disappointing 1-0 loss to the Houston Dynamo and an unlucky 1-0 loss in Colorado.

“We had been getting away from what we do best,” Cassar said. “Again, Kansas City will have their opportunities like when Nick made a fantastic save on Brad Davis that could’ve turned the tides a little bit and that is what you need when you come to a difficult place like Kansas City. You need a total team effort, some special plays and you need to finish your chances when you get them.”

Cassar referred to a 37th minute shot that was actually taken by Benny Feilhaber.

The defense hasn’t been a problem, with Aaron Maund and Justen Glad only giving up four goals in the last four games, but RSL were able to take their chances in the final third against Sporting KC.

“I think we were able to stay compact from front to back, which was one of the focuses coming into the game. Then it was about creating some chances and making sure you finished,” Kyle Beckerman said.

Beckerman recorded the assist on his team’s third goal with a pass from inside his own half to Yura Movsisyan.

The offseason signing scored his third goal of the season in the match, chipping a ball past Tim Melia on a breakaway. The Armenian international hasn’t gotten off to a spectacular start since joining RSL, but he will undoubtedly be important for the squad’s attack moving forward.

“I think we need goals from Yura. He’s working hard and tonight he played great he scored a good goal and the other one was a good cross,” Morales said. “I think he’s happy about it.”