After last week's brace it may be hard to believe Thierry Henry could better the performance he put out against Colorado, but that's just what the Red Bulls captain did. Henry became the first New York player to score a hat trick since Oct. 14, 2006 when Amado Guevara put in three against Kansas City at Giants Stadium.
In the 28th minute, Henry anticipated a well-placed cross from Rafa Marquez in open play to head past Montreal veteran goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts. His first goal of the match leveled Sanna Nyassi's opening goal nine minutes prior.
After New York midfielder Dax McCarty played his captain in on top of the box, Henry took a touch away from Montreal's defenders with his left foot to set up a shot he cranked in with his right foot that slipped in Ricketts' near post to give the Red Bulls a 3-2 advantage. Just as he did last week against Colorado, Henry scored shortly after the break to give New York the 3-2 lead.
With the Red Bulls ahead 4-2, Henry showed his hunger for goal as he completed his hat trick with a tap-in after Ricketts' spilled Kenny Cooper's initial shot from well outside the box. Henry was quick to jump on the ball and bury his milestone tally.
Henry's contribution didn't end with his goals either. Again, like last week's home opener against the Rapids, Henry had a classy assist in Saturday's match against Montreal. Red Bulls right back Jan Gunnar Solli took the ball to the end line, finding Henry, who noticed teammate Mehdi Ballouchy's run. Henry's crafty pass found Ballouchy's feet, showing the pure skill that soccer fans around the world have come to label as "patented Henry."
Incredibly, the Red Bulls captain has played a part in eight of the 10 goals the team has scored this season. The only exceptions being today's
penalty kick
, which was slotted in coolly by Cooper, and the fourth goal Cooper scored against Colorado on a Roy Miller cross in the home opener.
Henry's repeat performances take him to a staggering five goals and three assists this season, with all but one assist coming in the past two matches.
Sit back and watch Henry's first hat trick for the Red Bulls here. It can't hurt to
relive last week's brace
either.
