Harrison, NJ - Playing his best game of the season, Dane Richards orchestrated the New York Red Bulls to a 2-0 win over the San Jose Earthquakes. In the 46th minute of the first half, Richards scored a spectacular goal as he broke down San Jose's defense and beat their goalkeeper Jon Busch for the score.

In the second half, Richards continued to play marvelously when he crossed to Thierry Henry for the second goal of the game in the 63rd minute. For Henry, this was his first MLS goal and the 21,859 fans in attendance acknowledged it with their boisterous cheer of approval. 

In response, Henry pointed over to the Empire Supporters Club to thank them and the home crowd for their continual support. Since joining the Red Bulls, Henry had struggled to find the net but it wasn't for his lack of effort. Like any great player, he constantly attacked the net until he finally connected.

With Henry scoing tonight, Red Bull opponents have to worry about the offensive threat of Juan Pablo Angel, Rafa Marquez, Thierry Henry, Macoumba Kandji and the "surging spark plug" Dane Richards.

In a game where the Red Bulls were never in trouble, they pressured San Jose by taking 17 shots, including 10 shots on goal. Along with their shots, the Red Bulls took six corner kicks.

Defensively, the combination of Tim Ream, Carlos Mendes, Roy Miller, and Chris Albright assisted goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul who only had to make two saves against San Jose. Playing his 21st game of the season, Bouna has a 10-7-4 record while allowing 1.15 goals a game and recording eight shutouts.

Since losing to the Los Angeles Galaxy 1-0, the Red Bulls have outscored their last two opponents 6-1 while dominating both sides of the pitch. With the win the 11-7-4 Red Bulls concluded the month of August with a respectable record of 3-1-1 and are now four points behind first place Columbus Crew.

With eight games left in the MLS season, the Red Bulls have become one of the most popular teams in Major League Soccer. Since the signings of Thierry Henry and Rafa Marquez the Red Bulls have averaged 22,435 fans at home and on the road.

Next up for the Red Bulls are the defending MLS Champions, Real Salt Lake. Playing at Rio Tinto Stadium on September 4, 2010, the Red Bulls will have another opportunity to register their 12th win of the season.

Cesar Diaz covers Soccer for Latino Sports. Please send him your questions and e-mails to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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