Henry: Win will give Red Bulls wings

New York Red Bulls captain Thierry Henry hopes his team’s 4-1 win over the Colorado Rapids will kick-start their season.

After losing their opening two games of the MLS campaign, the Red Bulls finally got on the winners’ list as Henry and Kenny Cooper netted braces in their comfortable victory on Sunday.

Henry is staying grounded despite the impressive win, and said his side needed to build on the strong display.

“It was always going to be difficult. Colorado did well at the beginning and we can see that it changes the game if you concede a goal early,” he said.

“Before, we couldn’t keep our lead but we did it today so hopefully we can carry on like this.

“But, like I said when I came in the dressing room, it’s only three points and we need to carry on like this.”

The Rapids came into the encounter at Red Bull Arena on the back of consecutive wins, but were unable to get into the contest after conceding twice in the opening seven minutes.

Omar Cummings pulled a goal back for the Rapids on 77 minutes to make it 3-1, and Henry praised his team for an otherwise good performance.

“We didn’t make many mistakes today apart from obviously for the goal that they scored but we controlled it,” Henry said.

“I think that was the difference today – there were no mistakes other than the one we did concede.”

Meanwhile, Red Bulls coach Hans Backe was happy with his team’s second-half performance after they failed to keep possession in the opening exchanges.

“I think we started very, very well but after 25-30 minutes I thought we were too direct, we lost too many balls too quick and probably should have had a little bit more possession,” the Swede said.

“After 25-30 minutes it was one pass, then one final pass lost.

“As a result, at half-time we just needed to get in and find our rhythm because they are a decent team, they have started very well and I think in the second half, we were more patient and didn’t force it.

“They needed something as they were two down and we handled that very well.”