Red Bulls, Kansas advance in MLS

Daniel Royer has scored twice in less than three minutes late in the second half for the New York Red Bulls to advance to the Major League Soccer (MLS) eastern conference final with a 3-0 victory over Columbus Crew.

Alex Muyl's goal in the 17th minute on Sunday night overturned a first-leg deficit, and the Red Bulls went on to a 3-1 aggregate win that was likely to free up Columbus manager coach Gregg Berhalter to be hired later this year as US national coach.

Seeking their first MLS title after setting a regular-season league record with 71 points, New York play Atlanta United in a two-leg semi-final on November 25 and 29.

The eastern winner will host the Portland Timbers or Sporting Kansas City (SKC) in the December 8 final.

Kansas won their first playoff game in five years to secure their spot in the western conference finals.

Goals from Diego Rubio, Daniel Salloi and Ilie powered them to a 4-2 victory over Real Salt Lake, giving them a 5-3 win on aggregate.

SKC will face Portland in the conference playoff final.