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.