HARRISON, N.J. – Thierry Henry’s first MLS goal helped the Red Bulls to a 2-0 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes Saturday night at Red Bull Arena in front of an announced crowd of 21,859 spectators. Man of the Match Dane Richards added a goal and assisted on Henry’s strike, as the second-place Red Bulls won their third match in four and improved to 37 points off an 11-7-4 record.
The Red Bulls kept possession in the opening moments, but the Earthquakes had a couple of opportunities to open the scoring in the sixth minute. Goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul, who earned his eighth shutout Saturday, was up to the task and denied Arturo Alvarez and Chirs Wondolowski shots just seconds apart. The Red Bulls responded with a chance of their own six minutes later, but Henry’s chance on target was cleared off the line by Tim Ward.
In the 21st minute, Henry nearly opened his account when he took a pass from Juan Pablo Angel and placed a shot that beat goalkeeper Jon Busch, but slammed off the right upright. San Jose then continued the back and forth play, as Cornell Glen slipped behind the Red Bulls defense, but his shot went begging wide.
The Red Bulls took the lead in first half stoppage time. Richards collected the ball about 25 yards from goal and raced towards the penalty box. On his way, Richards beat two defenders to clear himself through and rounded Busch, before tapping the ball into the vacant net. It was Richards’ first goal of the season.
Henry tallied his first MLS goal in the 62nd minute. Richards played the part of provider this time, as he sent a cross into the box from the right wing, finding Henry near the penalty spot. The Frenchman took a touch before firing a shot underneath Busch to double New York’s advantage.
New York travels to Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 4 to take on defending MLS Cup Champion, Real Salt Lake, at Rio Tinto Stadium at 9:00 PM ET (TV: MSG; Radio: WADO 1280 AM).
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