The New York Red Bulls kept their MLS Supporters' Shield hopes alive with a 2-0 victory over leader Atlanta United, while Sporting Kansas City drew 1-1 against Real Salt Lake on Sunday.
Goals from Daniel Royer and Tim Parker saw the Red Bulls move within a point of Eastern Conference pacesetter Atlanta with three matches remaining in the race for the Shield.
The Red Bulls were without suspended leading scorer Bradley Wright-Phillips but the hosts were still too strong at home to Atlanta – Royer breaking the deadlock six minutes before halftime.
Atlanta's Chris McCann was penalized for handball inside the area and Royer converted emphatically at Red Bull Arena.
GOAL NUMBER for !
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) September 30, 2018
1-0 #RBNYvATL | #RBNY pic.twitter.com/bPb7EMoLjP
The result was sealed by Parker, who scored from close range in the 74th minute, while Brad Guzan prevented further damage by saving a late penalty from New York's Kaku.
VAMOS! VAMOS! VAMOS!
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) September 30, 2018
2-0 #RBNYvATL | #RBNY pic.twitter.com/QWQbRm2kJ5
Sporting KC missed the opportunity to move level on points with FC Dallas atop the Western Conference following their 1-1 draw at home to RSL.
Ike Opara's 52nd-minute equalizer could only salvage a point for Sporting KC, who are now two points adrift in the west.