The Red Bulls put in a strong offensive display Saturday afternoon to beat the MLS's newest team 5-2 at Red Bull Arena. The Red Bulls were perhaps fortunate to enter the locker room at halftime even at 2-2, but they really stepped up in the second half, scoring three goals including a wonderfully worked goal finished off by Medhi Ballouchy in the the 72nd minute.

Thierry Henry notched his first MLS hat trick, leaving a helpless Montreal searching for answers as they continue their search for their first MLS victory.

Player Ratings

GK Ryan Meara

Could have done better on Montreal's two goals and almost allowed a third goal after spilling a first half cross. Wasn't called on much in the second half, but did have a strong save to deny Justin Mapp a second goal.

Player Rating: 5

RB Jan Gunnar Solli

Did well setting up Medhi Ballouchy's 72nd minute goal and found Ballouchy minutes later on a ball headed just wide. Defended well, but he will take a fair amount of blame for Justin Mapp's 38th minute goal, allowing the midfielder to switch onto his favored left foot. 

Player Rating: 6

CB Markus Holgersson

Will take blame for both goals, particularly the first where he failed to clear an easy ball. Got better in the second half, but not enough to look past a poor first half performance.

Player Rating: 4

CB Wilman Conde

Solid performance by the big center back.

Player Rating: 6

LB Roy Miller

Didn't look good in the first half, but looked really dangerous in the second. Almost scored a great goal, but was denied by the post.

Player Rating: 6

RM Dane Richards

Looked dangerous throughout. Sent in a great cross to Thierry Henry early in the first half that was only thwarted by what looked like a foul on the French striker.

Player Rating: 7

CM Rafa Marquez

Beautiful cross to assist on Thierry Henry's first goal and did very well to pick out a long pass in the buildup to Dax McCarty's penalty. Outside of those two plays, his distribution was poor and he failed to put up much of a fight in the middle of the park. Often gave away possession easily. Was substituted for Teemu Tainio at halftime.

Player Rating: 5

CM Dax McCarty

Didn't look good in the first half as the Red Bulls consistently lost the midfield battle. Did well to draw an important penalty at the end of the first half. Looked much better in the second half, setting up Thierry Henry's second goal after winning back possession in the attacking third.

Player Rating: 6

LM Joel Lindpere

Workman-like effort from the Estonian. Created a few chances and was part of the build up to Dax McCarty's penalty. Came off limping in the 69th minute. 

Player Rating: 6

ST Kenny Cooper

Put away New York's 45th minute penalty. He was cut off for most of the game, but did do well with the possession he did have. Looked much brighter towards the end of the second half, blasting a shot at Donovan Ricketts, which rebounded for Thierry Henry's third goal.

Player Rating: 6

ST Thierry Henry

Was clearly the game's danger man, scoring three goals, assisting on a fourth and playing the ball into Dax McCarty that led to a 45th minute penalty. Should have drawn a penalty early in the game after being held in the box on a Dane Richards cross, but finished a Rafa Marquez cross minutes later.

His second goal was world-class as the striker turned quickly and found the bottom corner. Assisted on Medhi Ballouchy's goal as he flicked a Jan Gunnar Solli cross far post to find the fortunate Moroccan. His final goal was a real poacher's effort, but nothing less than he deserved.

Player Rating: 9

Substitutes

CM Teemu Tainio (on 45th minute)

Solidified the midfield after a shaky first half. Did his job well and deserves credit for the Red Bulls' defensive success in the second half. 

Player Rating: 7

MF Medhi Ballouchy (on 66th minute)

Right place, right time to score a 72nd minute goal. Did well linking up play. Solid performance.

Player Rating: 7

LM Brandon Barklage (on 90th minute)

Not enough time to make an impression

Player Rating: INC

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