|
 The 37-year-old former France international, whose contract with
the Red Bulls ends this season, showed plenty of his class playing
in a withdrawn role on the left flank.
It was a delightful back-heel from Henry that found Bradley
Wright-Phillips in the 40th minute and the English striker made no
mistake, firing in his 30th goal of the season.
D.C United, who finished top of the East in the regular season, went
close on the hour when a dipping drive from Argentine 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.
 D.C keeper Bill Hamid pulled off 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 got their deserved second 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.
[to top of second column] |
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 host Seattle Sounders in the Western Conference later on
Sunday.
(Reporting by Simon Evans; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)
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