KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Lloyd Sam had a goal and an assist after coming in as a second-half substitute, and the Red Bulls beat Sporting Kansas City 3-2 yesterday to take over first place in the Eastern Conference.

Sam, who entered in the 60th minute with the score tied at 1, assisted on Fabian Espindola’s go-ahead goal in the 63rd minute then made it 3-1 in the 69th with a counterattack goal.

Jonny Steele also had a goal and an assist for the Red Bulls (11-7-5), who extended their unbeaten streak to four and moved two points ahead of Kansas City (10-7-6) in the East.

Kei Kamara had a goal and an assist for Sporting K.C.

Steele put New York up 1-0 in the 27th minute, but Kamara equalized in the 45th. Kamara also assisted on Dom Dwyer’s first MLS goal in the second minute of second-half stoppage time.