MSL wrap: No splitting New York and Houston

Dwayne De Rosario could not quite inspire New York Red Bulls to a win on his debut, while Portland picked up their first-ever MLS point.

Dane Richards handed visitors New York a 47th-minute lead after getting on the end of De Rosario’s pass – his first touch for his new club – but the game was to finish 1-1 when Cam Weaver equalised just three minutes later.

Canadian international De Rosario joined the Red Bulls on Friday from Eastern Conference rivals Toronto FC and was only afforded a spot on the bench for his new side’s trip to Houston Dynamo on Saturday.

He watched an often dour first half from the sidelines, but was involved immediately after his injection for Moroccan midfielder Mehdi Ballouchy.

Recruited to fill the playmaker role in New York’s midfield, the 32-year-old instantly endeared himself to his new club’s fans by providing the defence-splitting pass for Jamaica striker Richards to score.

The advantage lasted just three minutes, however, when Weaver’s deft chip beat Red Bulls goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul.

It stayed that way for the remainder of the game, despite Richards, Luke Rodgers and designated player Thierry Henry going close for New York and Brad Davis shooting wide for Houston.

In other matches, Vancouver Whitecaps came from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 at home Kansas City.

Forward Teal Bunbury struck a brace early in the second half and Sierra Leone striker Kei Kamara also netted to put visitors Kansas 3-0 up by the 63rd minute.

Atiba Harris pulled one back on 72 minutes for the Whitecaps, but they still looked destined for defeat before two stoppage-time strikes from Brazilian forward Camilo Sanvezzo salvaged an improbable point.

The Portland Timbers gained their first point in Major League Soccer with a 1-1 draw away to the New England Revolution.

Rookie Stephen McCarthy put the Revolution ahead with his first goal in MLS, before Jack Jewsbury levelled on 38 minutes to earn a draw for the Timbers.

Toronto FC drew 1-1 at home to Chivas USA, with Alan Gordon equalising for the hosts after Alejandro Moreno put Chivas ahead after just two minutes.