Henry Watch: Thierry picks up assist in draw

After a successful loan spell in North London, Thierry Henry has begun his third season in Major League Soccer. The Arsenal legend is looking to build on his strong performances from 2011 and lead the New York Red Bulls to success as MLS kicks off its 17th season.

Each week, USA.Arsenal.com will provide a brief look at the progress of Thierry and the Red Bulls.

Thierry Henry

New York Red Bulls 2-2 SAn Jose Earthquakes
Saturday, April 14
Red Bull Arena – Harrison, NJ

By Kevin Mooney

The New York Red Bulls' three-game winning streak came to an end on Saturday, as they drew against the visiting San Jose Earthquakes. Thierry Henry set up Kenny Cooper's opening goal, and Dax McCarty scored his first of the season, but the Earthquakes responded to each New York lead to secure a the point.

With three of the top scorers in MLS on hand - Henry, Cooper and San Jose's Chris Wondolowski - plenty of goals were expected. And the first half did not disappoint.

Before five minutes had elapsed, Henry picked up the ball from Dax McCarty just outside the area and fed Cooper though the middle. The American striker calmly slotted the ball past Jon Busch for his seventh of the year.

It didn't take long for San Jose to strike back. After McCarty was caught in possession, San Jose equalized after playing some inspired one-touch football. Wondolowski found Khari Stephenson on the right side, and the midfielder quickly centered the ball to Rafael Baca who beat Ryan Meara with a one-time shot.

The Red Bulls retook the lead after Dane Richards started the attack near the center line. The Jamaica international stole the ball and stormed forward, blowing past two San Jose defenders. When he reached the end line, he turned and sent in a low cross toward Cooper whose flick set up McCarty's first goal of the season.

But San Jose would again respond. In the 35^th minute, San Jose picked apart New York's defense when Ramiro Corrales launched a cross-field pass toward Steven Beitashour on the right side. Beitashour then floated the ball over the Red Bulls defense to the left corner of the box where Shea Salinas tapped the ball into the path of a diving Wondolowski. The San Jose striker headed it in for the equalizer.

The game took an ugly turn just before the end of the first half. Away from the ball, New York's Rafa Marquez became tied up with Salinas and the pair hit the ground. The Earthquakes' midfielder ended his evening being stretchered off with a broken collar bone.

The second half lacked the offensive punch of the first with few real opportunities for either team. Henry came closest, but his shot in the 67^th minute was easily blocked by Busch. The Frenchman ended the evening with an assist and one shot on goal. He now sits at the top of the MLS scoring chart, tied with Cooper and Wondolowski with seven goals. Henry also sits second in the league in assists, shots and shots on goal.

Despite the draw, New York remains in second place in the Eastern Conference, but they lost ground to leaders Sporting Kansas City. Next up for the Red Bulls is a trip down I-95 to take on longtime rivals DC United at RFK Stadium.