New York Red Bulls vs Colorado Rapids Match Report
Thierry Henry and the red hot New York Red Bulls racked up another win and continue to be a leading contender for the MLS Cup.
The Red Bulls set the tone in the first five minutes as lightning quick winger Dane Richards tore past Rapids defenders and served a dangerous cross that goalkeeper Matt Pickens dealt with at the second attempt.
New York were rampant and had another two chances to score before finally breaking the deadlock in the 17th minute. Henry found himself in possession on the left wing. The Frenchman cut inside and played the ball to Joel Lindpere, who produced a neat backheel return pass that Henry dispatched into the far corner for a 1-0 lead.
The Rapids conceded a free kick for handball in the 32nd minute out wide, and the Red Bulls capitalized to double their lead. Mexican star Rafael Marquez hung a high cross to the back post, where two rookies combined to score. Midfielder Tony Tchani volleyed the ball back across goal and central defender Tim Ream volleyed in for a 2-0 lead.
The Rapids started the second half strongly, in the 47th minute Red Bull goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul spilled a long range shot, and Moroccan midfielder Medhi Ballouchy hit the rebound against the outside of the post. Five minutes later Omar Cummings reduced the deficit with a wonder strike. The speedy striker picked the ball up inside his own half, and strode forward before thundering a shot in off the underside of the crossbar from 35 yards out.
The comeback did not last however and winger Richards found the net to make the score 3-1 in the 58th minute. The Rapids failed to clear the ball, and Juan Pablo Angel fed Richards to round off the scoring.
