MLS Review: Red Bulls top Atlanta in Shield showdown, Sporting KC held

The New York Red Bulls kept their MLS Supporters’ Shield hopes alive with a 2-0 victory over leaders Atlanta United, while Sporting Kansas City drew against Real Salt Lake.

Goals from Daniel Royer and Tim Parker saw the Red Bulls move within a point of Eastern Conference pacesetters Atlanta with three matches remaining in the race for the Shield on Sunday.

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 half-time.

Atlanta’s Chris McCann was penalised for handball inside the area and Royer converted emphatically at Red Bull Arena.

GOAL NUMBER for !

1-0 #RBNYvATL | #RBNY pic.twitter.com/bPb7EMoLjP

— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) September 30, 2018

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 Gamarra.

VAMOS! VAMOS! VAMOS!

2-0 #RBNYvATL | #RBNY pic.twitter.com/QWQbRm2kJ5

— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) September 30, 2018

Sporting KC missed the opportunity to move level on points with Dallas atop the Western Conference following their 1-1 draw at home to RSL.

Ike Opara’s 52nd-minute equaliser could only salvage a point for Sporting KC, who are now two points adrift in the west.