HARRISON, NJ (Sept. 11, 2010) – Goals from Thierry Henry, Tim Ream and Dane Richards propelled the New York Red Bulls to a 3-1 victory over the Colorado Rapids Saturday afternoon at Red Bull Arena. With the win, New York improved to a 12-8-4 record and 40 points on the season, maintaining their second place standing in the Eastern Conference.
Juan Pablo Angel looked to add to his team-leading goal tally in the 13th minute, redirecting a Roy Miller cross with his head on frame, but Colorado goalkeeper Matt Pickens made a diving save to keep the match scoreless. Two minutes later, Henry nearly opened the scoring, when he ran onto a Rafa Márquez long ball, and one-timed an effort that just whispered past the far post.
Henry did find the back of the net thanks to an impressive interchange between the Frenchman and Joel Lindpere in the 17th minute. Henry fed Lindpere at the top of the box and made a run at goal, and Lindpere returned the ball to Henry with a back heel pass. Henry took his chance first time, beating Pickens low to the far side netting. It was Henry’s second goal of the season, and Lindpere’s team-leading fifth assist of the campaign.
Rookie of the Year candidate Ream scored his first career goal to widen New York’s advantage in the 32nd minute. Colorado’s Pablo Mastroeni was whistled for a handball, setting up a Red Bulls free kick from the left side of midfield. Márquez sent the free kick to the back post, where Tony Tchani volleyed the ball towards an empty goal mouth. Ream rushed towards the goal line and knocked it in from close range. On the goal, Márquez was credited with his first assist as a Red Bull.
While the Red Bulls dominated the scoreline in the first half, the Rapids evened the match in the 52nd minute. With the ball at his feet, Omar Cummings made a darting run through the midfield. From about 25 yards out, Cummings fired with his left foot, beating Coundoul for his ninth goal of the year.
It didn’t take New York long to reclaim its two goal advantage, however, as Richards netted his second of the season in the 58th minute. Angel dispossessed a Rapids defender at the Colorado at the top of the 18 yard box, and the ball came to Richards. The Jamaican International faked a shot and rounded Jamie Smith before curling a right footed attempt inside the far post.
The Red Bulls take to the road for their next match, traveling to Frisco, TX to take on FC Dallas on Thursday, Sept. 16, 2010 AT 9 p.m. ET (TV: MSG; Radio: WQBU 92.7 FM).
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