Henry: Galaxy were better than New York

New York Red Bulls striker Thierry Henry has conceded his team were lucky to defeat Los Angeles Galaxy 1-0 in Major League Soccer.

Tim Cahill struck for New York in the first minute of second-half stoppage time on Sunday, stealing victory at the Red Bull Arena but Henry claimed after the match that the Galaxy ‘were better’.

Henry praised the Red Bulls for their ability to grind out wins in games where they have been outplayed, something New York has struggled with in past seasons, according to the 35-year-old French striker.

“I don’t think we played well today and they (LA Galaxy) did not deserve to lose,” Henry said.

“I actually thought the way LA were playing, especially at the end they deserved to win the game but since I have been here we would have lost that game before and what I learned today was that we can win these type of games.

“I thought LA were better than us today but we won.”

Cahill scored the winning goal when he headed Juninho’s free-kick past Galaxy goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini; a classic example of the Australian’s incredible leap and knack of scoring decisive late goals.

Henry paid tribute to Cahill but also reserved special praise for the Red Bulls’ central defenders Jamison Olave and Marcus Holgersson.

“That is the Tim Cahill I know, the one I have seen doing this type of thing (with Everton) in the Premier League,” Henry said.

“I know you guys always talk about the guys who score but Olave and Holgersson were outstanding today and kept us in the game.

“Without them today I think we could have lost two or three nil.”