[MLS] Rookie Danny Mwanga scored in the seventh minute to give Philadelphia a 1-0 lead against defending champion Real Salt Lake Wednesday at PPL Park, but an equalizer by Fabian Espindola 10 minutes later held up as the teams tied, 1-1.

Sebastien Le Toux nicely set up Mwanga’s goal for his seventh assist of the season. Mwanga’s goal gave him the lead among MLS rookies with six, breaking a tie with Zach Schilawski of New England. Espindola took a pass from Tony Beltran to score his fourth goal of 2010, one more than he tallied last year.

The Union (4-10-4, 16 points) is seventh in the Eastern Conference and 1-3-2 in its last six games despite playing five of them at home. RSL (10-6-4, 36 points) is second in the Western Conference, four points behind overall points leader Los Angeles.

Both teams are at home Saturday. Philly hosts the Rapids, and RSL welcomes Eastern Conference leader Columbus.