Much-maligned Mehdi Ballouchy’s stunning equalizer in second-half stoppage time gave the Red Bulls a dramatic 2-2 road draw at Houston last night. And even though they fell out of first place in the Eastern Conference, the hard-earned point in front of 25,314 at Robertson Stadium was vital.
Midfielder Dane Richards had notched the fastest goal in club history just 39 seconds in, but it was Ballouchy _ who opened the season as a starter, but lost his spot to Dwayne De Rosario _ that came off the bench as a second-half sub and had the game-saving tally, out-jumping a Dynamo defender and nodding home a corner kick from Joel Lindpere.
“My job was to make a beeline to the post, and that’s what I did,’’ said Ballouchy. “It’s huge. It’s something we have been working on, and I think coming out of set pieces we have been unlucky, and I think we are just lucky to score off one.
“I’ve been coming in and playing a lot of different positions hoping for us to do well and win the (Supporters’) Shield and MLS Cup. If that means me playing a smaller role and playing different positions for us to win, then that’s what it takes.”
It was an encouraging night in many ways, and ironic. After losing 3-2 to Chivas USA last Sunday and looking horrible on set plays, the Red Bulls moved Rafa Marquez off corner kicks and tied it on a set piece. Playing without injured captain Thierry Henry, out with a swollen right knee, they improved to 4-2-4 for 16 points by stealing a point with goals early and late.
“We played a decent game compared to the Chivas game. We kept the ball better, and we had better possession even when we went one down,’’ said coach Hans Backe. “Overall, it’s a pretty good game from Houston.”
Midfielder Teemu Tainio showed his long-ball prowess again, launched a pass to striker Luke Rodgers. The English forward controlled it and laid it off to an onrushing Richards, who blasted a 25-yard shot past Houston keeper Tally Hall.
Houston equalized 11 minutes later when Will Bruin got fouled in the box by Marquez, and ref Juan Guzman awarded a penalty kick. Brad Davis stepped up and buried it past GK Greg Sutton, who got his first start since March 19 in hopes his 6-6 frame would trouble Houston’s vaunted aerial game.
The Red Bulls appeared destined for Koke scored eight minutes from time off a rebound. But after they earned a corner, Ballouchy flicked in a 91st-minute header to salvage the tie. They returns to Red Bull Arena Wednesday to host defending MLS Cup champion Colorado Rapids Wednesday at 8 p.m. on MSG Plus.
“It definitely was a good result,’’ said Sutton. “They had a few good chances, we did too. I think this is a tough place to play. It’s hot and humid, and give guys credit for scoring the tying goal.
“It’s very difficult, obviously (schedule-wise). Going up to Vancouver will not be very fun, but it’s something you have to deal with. Throughout the year, there are periods when you have to try and get good results where the schedule is against you. You just have to not really dwell on it and work hard when the game comes.”
