Boyz on target as NY Red Bulls override Rapids

HARRISON, NJ:

Reggae Boy Dane Richards, Thierry Henry and Tim Ream scored to propel the New York Red Bulls to a 3-1 victory over the Colorado Rapids Saturday afternoon at Red Bull Arena.

With the win, the Red Bulls improved to a 12-8-4 record and 40 points to maintain second place in the Eastern Conference.

Henry nearly opened the scoring at the 15th minute when he ran onto a long ball from his former Barcelona team-mate, Mexican Rafa Márquez, and hit a shot one-time that just whispered past the far post.

Henry did find the back of the net two minutes later, thanks to an impressive interchange between Joel Lindpere in the 17th minute. Henry fed Lindpere at the top of the box and made a run at goal, Lindpere back-heeled a one-two and the France World Cup winner took his chance first time, beating goalie Matt 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.

First career goal

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. M‡rquez sent the free kick to the back post, where Tony Tchani volleyed the ball towards an empty goal mouth. Ream rushed towards the goalline and knocked it in from close range.

While the Red Bulls dominated the scoreline in the first half, the Rapids pulled back a goal in the 52nd minute as another Reggae Boy, Omar Cummings, blasted into the back of the net.

With the ball at his feet, Cummings made a darting run through the midfield. From about 25 yards out, the Jamaican fired with his left foot, beating Coundoul for his ninth goal of the year.

It did not take long for New York Red Bulls to reclaim their two-goal advantage, however, as Cummings' Reggae Boy, Richards, netted his second goal of the season, in the 58th minute.

Angel dispossessed a Rapids defender 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 beautiful right-footed attempt inside the far post.

The Red Bulls take to the road for their next match, travelling to Frisco, Texas, to take on FC Dallas tomorrow.