New York rallied back from a 2-0 deficit Sunday night to defeat the Portland Timbers 3-2. Although the two early goals provided Portland with plenty of motivation to try and close out their first road win of the season, Hans Backe and company unleashed an offensive assault that produced two goals before the half to level the score.
Kenny Cooper picked up his 14th of the season
on a header in the 43rd minute, and New York doubled up shortly after in the 45th when
Tim Cahill scored his first-career MLS goal
.
While the offense was doing its part to add a few more tallies to the scoreboard, Red Bulls goalkeeper Bill Gaudette was coming up big in New York's own end, allowing the team to stay within striking distance and capture three points at home. The opportune moment came inside the 83rd minute when defender
Heath Pearce headed home his second goal
of the season to give the Red Bulls a 3-2 lead. His tally would stand as the game-winner as New York held off Portland's attack in the dying minutes to pull within two points of first-place Kansas City in the Eastern Conference table.
The Red Bulls will look to leapfrog Kansas City to capture first place when they take to the road for a crucial match at Livestrong Sporting Park Sunday at 9 PM ET. Watch all the action live on ESPN2.
Here are a few photos from Sunday's 3-2 win over Portland:
