MLS: New York Red Bulls beat DC United in first leg of semi-final
Monday 3 November 2014 07:05, UK
Thierry Henry created both goals as New York Red Bulls took command of their MLS Eastern Conference semi-final against DC United with a 2-0 home win in the first leg.
The 37-year-old former France international, whose contract with the Red Bulls ends this season, set up Bradley Wright-Phillips for the opening goal - his 30th of the season - in the 40th minute with a delightful back-heel.
DC United, who finished top of the East in the regular season, went close on the hour when a dipping drive from Fabian Espindola flashed just over the bar.
But that was one of the few real chances created by Ben Olsen's team who never got into top gear against a confident New York side.
DC keeper Bill Hamid made a fine double save in the 68th minute to deny Lloyd Sam and then Wright-Phillips as the Red Bulls piled on the pressure.
New York scored their deserved second goal in the 74th minute when Henry lifted a ball over the top to his compatriot Peguy Luyindula and the veteran former Paris St Germain midfielder coolly slotted through the legs of the oncoming Hamid.
Dax McCarty should have made it 3-0 but, left unmarked in the area, he flashed his free header wide.
The second leg at United's RFK Stadium will be played on Saturday.
FC Dallas were held to a 1-1 draw at home by the Seattle Sounders in the first leg of their Western Conference semi-final.
Brazilian Michel gave Dallas a 34th-minute lead from the penalty spot after Andres Escobar was brought down in the area by Marco Pappa.
The Sounders equalised in the 54th minute when Marco Pappa whipped in a free-kick from the right and Cuban midfielder Osvaldo Alonso made a great run to glance a header into the net.
The second leg will be played in Seattle next Monday.
