Henry earns honor after two-goal, one-assist performance in 4-1 win over Colorado Rapids
New York Red Bulls forward Thierry Henry was named the Major League Soccer Player of the Week for Week 3 of the MLS season today by the North American Soccer Reporters. Henry scored two goals and added one assist in the Red Bulls’ 4-1 victory over the Colorado Rapids on Sunday, the team’s first victory of the 2012 season. This is Henry’s first career MLS Player of the Week award.
Henry scored his first goal of the season in the third minute of the match. The Frenchman intercepted a back pass by Rapids defender Ross LaBeaux and converted the chance past goalkeeper Matt Pickens. Just three minutes later, Henry picked out fellow forward Kenny Cooper with a perfect through ball behind the Rapids defense and Cooper was able to finish it and extend New York’s lead to two. In the second half, Henry doubled his account and gave New York a 3-0 lead. Defender Wilman Conde took a free kick from just inside the Red Bulls’ half, and Henry timed his run perfectly. While bearing down on goal, Henry hit an instep drive with his right foot, placing it inside the far post.
Henry has two goals and two assists in three matches this season. Last year, Henry led the club and finished third in MLS with 14 goals and was named to the MLS Best XI. Since joining the Red Bulls in July 2010, the former World Cup, European Cup and UEFA Champions League winner has played in 40 matches, starting them all, while scoring 18 goals and recording out nine assists overall.
Forward Juan Agudelo out for 2 months
The New York Red Bulls announced that forward Juan Agudelo underwent surgery to repair a torn medial meniscus in his left knee. The procedure was performed by Dr. Riley Williams at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New YorkCity. Expected recovery time is up to six weeks.
Agudelo suffered the injury while he was with the United States Under-23 Men’s National Team during a 6-0 win over Cuba on March 22 in Nashville, TN as part of the 2012 CONCACAF Men’s Qualifying Tournament. The 19-year-old and former Red Bulls Academy product just began his third MLS season and has made one start this year, playing the full 90 minutes against FC Dallas in a 2-1 loss on March 11 before departing for international duty.
