Henry Stays Hot In Comeback Draw

The New York Red Bulls were down twice in this game. Both times they managed to pull the game level, but never found a way to get on top.

There were some positives in the draw, however, and the biggest one was the continued resurgence of Thierry Henry.

The French striker scored his sixth MLS goal in the draw, it’s his sixth goal in as many games. Henry is obviously the biggest name on this team and, despite a rough start and an injury riddle last season, Henry has really stepped up for the Red Bulls thus far.

The best part for New York? His goals have been big goals. They haven’t been the fourth goal in a 5-0 rout, or the only goal in a 5-1 defeat. The goals have been to take the lead, tie the game or bring the Red Bulls back to within sniffing range.

That’s what you want out of your star player. That’s what the Red Bulls are getting out of Henry right now.

You don’t need us to tell you that New York’s success will hinge on Henry. And it’s a really good sign to see him back from his injury, and still playing so effectively, right after it happened.

Now the Red Bulls need to focus on getting prepared to play without a few key players due to national duties because of the Gold Cup.

But if Henry keeps playing the way he has, it won’t matter who’s on the pitch.

Red Bulls 2, Rapids 2: Teams Settle For Draw

The Colorado Rapids and Red Bull New York battled to a 2-2 draw in Major League Soccer action at Red Bull Arena on Wednesday night in front of 18,081.

All four of the game’s goals came in a six-minute span in the first half, the most prolific goal-scoring stretch in either team’s franchise history.

The first-half goal explosion started in the 27th minute on a controversial play.

Rapids striker Andre Akpan looked like he was taken down just outside the Red Bulls penalty area, but referee Jorge Gonzalez ruled a penalty and Jeff Larentowicz stepped up to take it. New York goalkeeper Greg Sutton made the initial save on the PK, but the rebound went right back to Larentowicz for an easy finish.

New York equalized just two minutes later when Dwayne De Rosario played a cross to striker Thierry Henry, who blasted home for his sixth goal of the season.

Just three minutes later Colorado made it 2-1 off another set piece.

Henry took down Wells Thompson outside the area setting up a free kick. Larentowicz took the chance, which went right through the defensive wall and in for his second goal of the game and third of the season.

But New York struck right back in the 33rd minute when Roy Miller chipped a pass to Luke Rodgers breaking into the Rapids penalty area. Rodgers then played a shot past an onrushing Matt Pickens for his fourth goal of the season.

Rodgers nearly found the back of the net again in the 65th minute on a similar play as his goal, but this time, Pickens bested him. De Rosario sent a long ball from his own half into open space behind the Colorado defense, and Rodgers outraced the Rapids defenders to get to the ball first. Again, he flicked the ball, attempting to loft it over Pickens, but the Colorado keeper made an acrobatic save with an outstretched hand.

Red Bulls goalkeeper Greg Sutton made his second consecutive start. New York has a short turnaround and returns to the field this Saturday, May 28 when it travels north of the border to take on Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the first ever match between the clubs. The match is slated for a 5:30 p.m. ET kickoff (TV: MSG; Radio: WADO 1280 AM).

-- Sports Network contributed to this report.

Red Bulls Vs. Colorado Rapids: Red Bulls Try To Snap Three Game Winless Streak

The New York Red Bulls are in the midst of a three-game winless streak. They hope to break that streak today against the defending MLS Champion Colorado Rapids. 

Making that task even harder is the injury bug which seems to be floating around Red Bull Arena like an annoying mosquito. Here is what the Red Bulls official game report had to say on the injuries: 

- Thierry Henry missed the match through swelling in his right knee, but was able to return to regular training to begin the week. Backe said Henry looked "decent", but added he still might not be available.

- "[He] still has problems with the long passes where he has to open up," Backe said.

- However, Backe said Mexican international defender Rafael Márquez could be out after suffering a groin strain in warmups prior to the Dynamo match.

Henry looks to be on the path to getting healthy, which is a great thing to hear if you are New York. While it seems like Henry might not start tonight, he could be used as a very late substitution depending on how he feels this morning. 

The alarming news is Marquez, who is one of the more important players on the team. Sometimes Marquez gets overlooked because of his defensive focus, but Marquez has been a tremendous part of keeping New York's back line steady during opposing pressure. Groin strains also tend to be a nagging injury if they aren't treated properly (and sometimes if they are treated properly) so expect Backe to go easy with him. 

The Red Bulls also announced that Chris Albright  had successful hernia surgery earlier this week. 

Despite all the injuries the Red Bulls have to be prepared to play without their star players. Injuries happen over the course of the season, and the Red Bulls have to deal with it. 

We'll get a good sense of how they handle it tonight. The game kicks off at 8 p.m. and will be televised on MSG.

More after the game.