Red Bulls Grab Road Win, 4-1 Over Crew

Added by Jake Landau on April 7, 2012.

The New York Red Bulls won their third straight game after an 0-2 start. Visiting Columbus, Ohio, on Saturday afternoon, they defeated the Crew 4-1. It was just the away push the Red Bulls needed, having not picked up a point away from Red Bull Arena yet this season.

Points are becoming even more important with Kansas City having won every single one of their four matches so far this season. Thierry Henry and Kenny Cooper each had a brace and put away quality finishes holding a comfortable lead from the 3rd minute on.

Early in the game, Titi sent a lofty ball straight to Kenny Cooper, who calmly chested it to his feet and rocketed a shot into the corner to put the Red Bulls up 1-0 in just the 3rd minute. He would add another goal in the 13th, along with a Henry trademark into the corner netting before the first half had ended. The line-up seemed to be working, with Ballouchy inserted into the midfield instead of the winger stalwart Joel Lindpere. It was cited this week in practice Lindpere had not been performing up to par and was motivated to get back into top form.

After a disastrous start to the season of two losses for a team with lofty expectations, New York has their third straight victory in a row. Henry, after winning player of the month in March, added an assist and two goals against Columbus, now scoring in three straight games. In stoppage time, Thierry added a goal of the week nominee, when the subbed Lindpere crossed it, Henry took it off his chest and volleyed it into the top corner faster than the keeper could react.

Meara, the rookie goalkeeper, had a well-deserved shutout scoreline until another set piece goal was given up when Holgersson lost his man on a corner kick and the Crew knocked it home. The Red Bulls, though, should be happy with their second-round pick, as he has been a vocal leader in the back.

When the first shutout might come, only time will tell, but it should get easier as the team continues to gel and comes home next weekend to take on the San Jose Earthquakes.