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Raging Red Bulls fans like Johnny Toro have endured numerous painful defeats over more than a decade watching Major League Soccer’s star-crossed franchise.

The Red Bulls withstood a furious attack from Real Salt Lake (24 shots on goal) to advance to face the Columbus Crew in Carson, Calif., next Sunday in M.L.S. Cup ’08.

Dave van den Bergh scored in the 28th minute Saturday night and the Red Bulls defeated Real Salt Lake, 1-0, and reached the M.L.S. Cup for the first time in the club’s history.

The Red Bulls, who finished the regular season with a 10-11-9 record, are one victory away from playing for the M.L.S. Cup against Columbus.

A M.L.S. championship could help the Red Bulls establish their niche a time when affordable entertainment is starting to look like not a half-bad idea.

Dane Richards, who missed the first month of the M.L.S. season with a knee injury, resurfaced in the starting lineup Sunday to oust the two-time defending champion Houston Dynamo.

The Red Bulls, who qualified for the playoffs as a wild card out of the Eastern Conference, will travel to Real Salt Lake for the Western Conference championship on Saturday.

The Red Bulls, who qualified for the playoffs as a wild card out of the Eastern Conference, will travel to Real Salt Lake for the Western Conference championship on Saturday.

Luke Sassano was bumped down the depth chart as his performances tailed off and the team signed four players over the summer. Now, Sassano is back.

The Dynamo robbed the Red Bulls of an upset in the first leg of their Major League Soccer playoff series.