The frustration has clearly set in for Red Bulls forward Thierry Henry.
The all-world striker has been sidelined with a knee injury the last three games and didn’t travel with the team for Saturday’s 1-0 win over San Jose in the first leg of the MLS?playoffs. He said he’s ready to go for tonight’s second leg but that decision will be left up to coach Hans Backe.
“To be honest, at the moment, it’s all about the team,” Henry said.
He is back a little more than a week ahead of schedule and is confident he could play at least a substitute role against the Earthquakes. The Red Bulls need a win or tie to advance to the conference finals.
“It is going to be a tough game,” said Henry, who is turning on point but still feels some pain when he strikes the ball. “San Jose is going to be playing for their life.”
Henry tallied two goals and three assists in 11 games this season. RBNY had just enough offense without him in Saturday’s win, as Bouna Coundoul notched three saves for the team’s fifth shutout in six matches. San Jose should pepper the goal plenty tonight now that it trails in the aggregate-goal series.
“We need to go out there and play to win, and play well,” Henry said. “Not go out there and think 0-0 or a tie is all right.”
