As Thierry Henry took to the pitch this past Saturday night, it was clear to all that number fourteen was on a mission. The soccer legend was methodical during his pre-game warm-ups and the lack of facial expressions was a clear sign that the man was ready for the match against the Columbus Crew.
The New York Red Bulls and the Columbus Crew both came into the match with identical records and looking to secure that last position in the playoff race. Little did anyone realize that the match would be controlled by one player and one player only, Thierry Henry.
As the match began, Henry took control of the Red Bulls’ offense and began to dictate where each player should be and who they should mark as the match progressed. The determination that emanated from the field general was immense as was his play. The runs that were made were reminiscent of when Henry was younger and the crisp passes and unbelievable crosses were true classics. The fans that packed Red Bull arena were in for a show that would not only secure a much needed victory, but, illustrate just how well of a player Henry really is.
Thierry Henry would begin his masterful show in the 17th minute of play as he placed a perfect pass at the feet of Bradley Wright-Phillips who simply found the back of the net to put the Red Bulls up 1-0 on the Crew. This play not only showed how well the Red Bulls offense can be, but, the quality of play that was supplied by Henry on a constant basis.
The Crew would counter later in the first half as they pressured the defense of the Red Bulls and splintered the back line making Luis Robles scold his defense for lack of support. At this point, Thierry Henry took it upon himself to lift the play of the team and command an overall better performance out of his teammates.
Henry clearly was angered by the lack of discipline the team was displaying and it was at this point that the Red Bulls pulled it all together and the New York Red Bull Machine was off and running. Late in the first half, the amazing Henry would score on a play that seemed to take no effort at all, yet, by nature, a difficult one to complete. Mr. Cold and Calculated had arrived and the rest of the match, Columbus would have no answers to this onslaught.
The second half would be the story of how Henry was able to map out the runs that his teammates would follow and supply the energy they would feed off of. Lloyd Sam would be the first to hear Henry’s message and from a pass from Henry, Sam would find the back of the net for his second goal of the season and it would be Henry’s second assist of the night and his eighth of the season.
The Red Bulls would play brilliantly the rest of the match and the scoring would not end with Sam’s goal, Eric Alexander would score in the ninety-first minute from a pass from the ever present Thierry Henry. It was the second goal of the season for Alexander and the third assist of the game for Henry.
It was clear that Thierry Henry energized the Red Bulls on this night and with his three assists, Henry would move into first place on New York’s assist list with a total of thirty-seven. The Red Bulls have a quick turnaround as they will play the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday night at PPl Park.
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