MLS: New York Red Bulls 1 Philadelphia Union 0

The New York Red Bulls clinched the last available MLS playoff berth courtesy of a 1-0 win over Philadelphia Union on Thursday.

What proved to be the winning goal arrived as early as the seventh minute of the match at the Red Bull Arena.

Jan Gunnar Solli crossed for Dane Richards and the forward, starting in place of the suspended Thierry Henry, headed against the near post.

The ball then struck Union goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon on the arm before bouncing into the net, with the veteran Colombian left helpless.

Richards twice went close to doubling the lead later in the match, but with no second goal forthcoming, the Red Bulls have their defence to thank for securing the victory.

German goalkeeper Frank Rost recorded his fourth clean sheet in seven matches, while a defence marshalled by Rafael Marquez restricted the Union to just one shot on target, from midfielder Zach Pfeffer.

Tim Ream and Roy Miller also impressed at the back for New York, succeeding in frustrating Philadelphia forwards Sebastian Le Toux and Freddy Adu.

The victory leaves the Red Bulls occupying the ninth overall playoff spot, in line for a meeting with one of FC Dallas or Real Salt Lake in the first round of the finals.

If Houston Dynamo win against LA on Saturday against, New York will slip to 10th overall, and face a post-season opener against either Houston or the Colorado Rapids.