Dane Richards scored the fastest goal in New York Red Bull history (just 39 seconds into the game), but the Red Bulls still needed a stoppage time goal to walk out of Houston with a point Saturday night.
Down 2-1 and deep into stoppage time substitute Mehdi Ballouchy rocketed home a Joel Lindpere corner kick to tie the score at two.
“My job was to make a beeline to the post, and that’s what I did. It’s huge," Ballouchy said. "It’s something we have been working on, and I think coming out of set pieces we have been unlucky, and I think we are just lucky to score off one.”
Despite the quick start offensively New York wasn’t sharp on defense. Just 11 minutes after their opening goal the Red Bulls conceded a penalty kick, which Brad Davis buried to tie the score at one.
Koke would put Houston ahead in the 82nd minute, tapping home the go-ahead goal into an empty net.
New York, who will take the point running, now sports a 4-2-4 record for 16 points.
“It definitely was a good result. They had a few good chances, we did too," said Red Bulls goalkeeper Greg Sutton. "I think this is a tough place to play. It’s hot and humid, and give guys credit for scoring the tying goal.”
Thierry Henry didn’t play in the game due to a swollen knee, the Red Bulls hope to have him back for their next game.
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