Joel Lindpere’s putback goal in the 56th minute was enough for New York as Bouna Coundoul and the Red Bull defense did enough to hold on to the clean sheet and force San Jose into a must win on the road.
Jon Busch was largely solid in goal, stopping a number of tough shots, but he was unable to prevent Lindpere’s low shot into the corner from hitting net. A late San Jose charge for the equalizer was ultimately denied by the goalie and by the post, as Eduardo’s attempted put-back bicycle kick rattled the cage.
It was critical for San Jose to earn at least a tie so that they wouldn’t be forced to earn a win in New York with Thierry Henry likely to return to the pitch. Now a win is what they must find when they head east for a mid-week matchup.