Kenny Cooper ended a seven-game scoreless run with two goals Saturday as the New York Red Bulls defeated the Philadelphia Union, 2-0, at Red Bull Arena. With the victory, the Red Bulls (11-5-5) remained unbeaten at home this season with its seven win in 10 matches, and moved into first place in the Eastern Conference.
Cooper scored 11 goals in his first 13 matches this season, but failed to get a single goal over his next seven MLS games.
Cooper helped the Red Bulls break through in the 43rd minute. Joel Lindpere found Connor Lade on the left wing and the Red Bulls Academy product whipped in a cross that Cooper got to first and nodded into the bottom right corner of the net.
Cooper doubled his tally for the day 13 minutes into the second half. Thierry Henry hit a perfect cross to Cooper, who flicked it in by the left post for his team-leading 13th goal of the year.
New York was missing midfielders Jan Gunnar Solli and Rafa Marquez, defender Heath Pearce and goalkeeper Ryan Meara due to injury. Defender Brandon Barklage left the game in the 16th minute with a right hamstring strain and was replaced by Jonathan Borrajo, who made his MLS debut.