With five designated players taking the field, the matchup between two of the league’s showcase franchises did not disappoint. French international Henry wasted no time announcing his presence in his first appearance at the Home Depot Center, rounding Galaxy goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts to open the scoring in the fourth minute. Landon Donovan equalized in the 41st minute, redirecting a David Beckham corner kick past the outstretched hands of Red Bulls goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul.
A stirring first half also featured a disallowed goal from Galaxy striker Juan Pablo Angel, a highlight reel run from Henry in which he juggled the ball six times at a full sprint, and some chippy moments after Donovan’s goal leveled the scoreline.
Though both teams had chances to take all three points, the coaches saw the 1-1 draw as a fair outcome.
“Both teams had chances to win it. I think it was well played and probably a fair result,” said Galaxy coach Bruce Arena.
“It probably should have ended up 3-3. With all the chances, from both sides, it was a very intense game,” New York coach Hans Backe said.
Backe attributed the open play to both teams’ strength in midfield.
“It is probably eight attacking midfield players on the pitch, and then you have at least two fullbacks attacking all the time,” Backe said. Backe added that the level of play was “probably the best you can see in MLS at the moment.”
“I can compare it with many leagues in Europe that would be very happy if they had seen a game like this with the number of chances and the technical level, and the work rate. The whole package was very good,” Backe said.
“Tonight, for the neutrals it must have been a good game,” said Red Bulls striker Thierry Henry. “They saw some great football.”
“It was a really good advertisement for the game in this country,” said Galaxy midfielder David Beckham. “It is two major cities, and to have a great player like Thierry playing in New York is such a good advertisement for the game and the sport in this country. It gives the sport a lot for people to look at and talk about. I think if both of these teams do well, then it highlights the game.”
“It was a great game,” said Galaxy midfielder Landon Donovan. “You’re not going to see too many games like that in our league this year. I was impressed how much they put into trying to get after it and win the game—most teams come here and try to defend for 90 minutes. It was a good, fast game.”
However, some of the Galaxy players were left to rue some missed opportunities and unfavorable decisions from the officials. Donovan felt he should have had another goal in the 42nd minute when Red Bulls defender Tim Ream cleared his tap-in off the goal line.
“I just had a brief look at it, it looks like it was in. I think we are learning this year that if we want to score a goal we really need to score two goals. Or, if we need to score two goals, we really need to score three or four. It’s unfortunate, you would hope at some we would get the benefit of the doubt, but that’s not happened yet,” Donovan said.
Angel questioned the decision that disallowed his 25th minute goal on a tight offside call.
“I want to see that one because I felt that I was onside. I’m not sure about it,” Angel said.
Angel also reflected on the emotions of playing against his former club for the first time. The Colombian striker parted ways with New York this offseason after a highly successful four-year career in which he scored 58 goals for the club.
“For me it’s just another game. At the end of the day it’s just three points. I felt good, I was calm, there’s emotion playing against your old teammates, a team that you played a number of years for, but it was just another game,” Angel said.
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Both sides satisfied with 1-1 result in Galaxy-Red Bulls tilt