Kenny Cooper scores twice as Red Bulls blank Union

Harrison, NJ, United States (4E Sports) – Striker Kenny Cooper booted in two goals as the New York Red Bulls kept their unbeaten record at home with a 2-0 win over the Philadelphia Union Saturday at Red Bull Arena.

Cooper ended a seven-game goalless run with a strike from an assist by Connor Lade to give the Red Bulls a 1-0 lead in the 43rd minute.

Fifteen minutes later, Cooper scored on another header past goalie Zac MacMath from an assist by Thierry Henry with a cross to hand New York a two-goal lead over the Union.

The Red Bulls’ second straight win catapulted them to the top of Eastern Conference standings with 38 points in 21 games, two points ahead of closest pursuer Sporting City Kansas.

The Red Bulls (11-5-5) also kept their unbeaten record at home before 21,842 fans. They are now 7-0-3 (win-loss-draw) in 10 games at home. They also improved their head-to-head record against the Union to 4-2-0 (win-loss-draw).

The loss ended Union’s three-game winning run and remained in ninth place in the East with 20 points in 18 games. Philadelphia (6-10-2) has yet to win a game after allowing the first goal, going 0-9-1 and is the only team without a comeback victory this year.

The Red Bulls had an early chance to score but Cooper’s attempt was thwarted by MacMath before Sebastien Le Toux skied the rebound over the cross bar.

The Union, who played without Freddy Adu due to a coach’s decision, also had an opportunity to take the lead late in a first half but Bill Gaudette denied Josue Martinez in the 40th minute.

The Red Bulls visit Stade Saputo for the first time in their next match, as they take on the Montreal Impact in their third encounter this season July 28. New York has won the previous two matches by a combined score of 7-3.

The Union play host to the New England Revolution at PPL Park July 29. The clash between the two Eastern Conference foes will be the first of three this year.

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