Sports

Cooper’s two header goals send Red Bulls past Union

Kenny Cooper headed in two goals, scoring for the first time since May 23, to lead the New York Red Bulls to a 2-0 victory over the Philadelphia Union on Saturday.

The Red Bulls (11-5-5) remain undefeated at home this season, improving to 7-0-3. New York is the lone MLS team without a loss at home.

Cooper, who did not start Wednesday’s game against Chicago, scored off a pass from rookie Connor Lade in the 43rd minute, then added another header off a fine feed from Thierry Henry in the 58th minute. Cooper has 13 goals this season, four behind San Jose’s Chris Wondolowski for the MLS lead.

Lade had two assists.

It was the second straight shutout victory for Bill Gaudette, who made two saves in place of injured starter Ryan Meara. Gaudette has started three straight games with two wins and a tie.

Philadelphia’s best scoring chance in the first half came when Josue Martinez got behind Red Bulls rookie defender Jonathan Borrajo in the 40th minute. Martinez burst past Borrajo, who was making his first-ever MLS appearance after entering the game in the 16th minute when Brandon Barklage strained his right hamstring. Martinez fired a shot that Gaudette stopped with his right arm.

Barklage’s injury further hampered the Red Bulls’ back line. All-Star Heath Pearce was out with a hamstring injury, along with Rafa Marquez and Jan Gunnar Solli.