Red Bulls strikers Thierry Henry and Kenny Cooper both scored a brace, the second time that has happened already this season, as the Red Bulls routed Columbus 4-1 at Columbus Crew Stadium. Cooper scored a quick-fire double in the 8th and 13th minute and from then on the game was never in doubt. Henry added his first goal towards the end of the first half and again in the waning minutes of the second half.

Columbus really struggled to maintain possession and move the ball into the attacking third. In the few moments when the crew managed to create chances their finishing was terrible, the highlight coming in the 63rd minute when Emilio Renteria missed an opportunity from just outside the 6 yard box. Columbus did add a 89th minute Chad Marshall goal off a corner kick, but it was too little too late for the lethargic Crew.

Player Ratings

GK Ryan Meara

Poor communication almost cost the young keeper early on, but he got better as the game progressed. Had a number of great saves towards the end of the second half as his defense seemed to lose focus. Deserved a clean sheet for his second half effort, but was denied by an 89th minute Chad Marshall header.

Player Rating: 6

RB Jan Gunnar Solli

Defended well and got forward throughout the game. Looked really good attacking up the right flank throughout the match.

Player Rating: 6.5

CB Markus Holgersson

Defended well early on and well into the second half. Broke up play along the right side. Really faded as the game came to a close, allowing Renteria to get back into the action. Should have been stronger on the 89th minute Marshall goal, but the game was already won.

Player Rating: 6

CB Steven Keel

Had more than just a few shaky moments, including a dangerous back pass that incited the venom of Red Bulls Manager Hans Backe. All-in-all he looks a step behind the MLS game. Red Bulls will be hoping Conde can find fitness because Keel can be exposed.

Player Rating: 5

LB Roy Miller

Will get the assist as he found the killer ball on the Henry's 40th minute goal. Other then that was rarely found in the attacking third, but his defense was solid throughout the match.

Player Rating: 6.5

RM Dane Richards

Had a few good moments early, including am 18th minute charge into the box that lead to a shot that barely fails to find the upper corner. Yet his performance takes a hit due to his hesitance on the ball during a few attacks. He often seems short of ideas with the ball at his feet at the edge of the box and a defender blocking off his path to goal. Was subbed in the 80th minute for Joel Lindpiere.

Player Rating: 5.5

CM Dax McCarty

Worked hard for his team helping win back possession and blunting the Crew's attack through the center of the park. Did well in the build up to Henry's 40th minute goal and executed a great chip to Henry in the 47th minute that almost lead to a spectacular goal.

Player Rating: 7

CM Rafa Marquez

Distribution was much better in this match as he consistently picked out the right pass to send the Red Bulls surging forward. He played in a more deep lying roll then usual and looked more comfortable. Executed two clever Set Piece plays that caught the Crew off guard, but failed to find the back of the net.

Player Rating:  7

LM Medhi Ballouchi

Was everywhere in the offensive third helping to break down the Crew. Always made himself available for teammates and consistently moved the attack forward with his passing. Didn't really operate well along the left wing choosing to play more centrally linking up play.

Player Rating: 7

ST Thierry Henry

Scored two goals and assisted on a third, ho-hum for the league leader in goals and runner up in assists. Strong play by partner Kenny Cooper allowed Henry to drop back into the midfield and orchestrate as a play maker throughout the match.

Player Rating: 8

ST Kenny Cooper

Cooper did well to turn and finish in the 3rd minute and was a bit lucky on his second goal off a deflected Dane Richards shot in the 13th. His hold up play was really impressive as he consistently brought teammates into the attack. Has developed a fruitful partnership with Thierry Henry that see's him just behind the Frenchman in second place of the MLS scoring table.

Player Rating: 8

Substitutes:

Joel Lindpiere (on 80th Minute)

Made an impression in his short appearance as he surged up the left side late in the match making the Columbus defense look foolish before finding Thierry Henry for his 90th minute goal.

Player Rating: 7

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