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What Thierry Henry Means to the New York Red Bulls

By Chris Blakely

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Sep 6, 2014; Harrison, NJ, USA; New York Red Bulls forward Thierry Henry (14) reacts during the second half against Sporting KC at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Thierry Henry.

You know the name. I don’t have to tell you that much about the Frenchmen. Henry is coming to the end of his fifth year with the New York Red Bulls and the upcoming match against the New England Revolution could be his last ever match at Red Bull Arena.

Prior to joining the Red Bulls, Henry played for Barcelona from 2007-2010 where he appeared in 121 matches scoring 49 goals and assisting on another 26. From 1999-2007 Henry had his most successful stint at any club when he played for Arsenal. In 369 appearances he scored 226 goals and added 92 assists. In an 11-year period, Henry appeared in 490 matches, scored 275 goals and assisted on 118 others. Those are some crazy stats to amass in an 11 year time frame.

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Henry was met with much fanfare when he arrived in New York but not as much as David Beckham did when he arrived in Los Angeles three years prior in 2007. The hope was that Henry would be able to turn around a struggling Red Bulls team. To some degree, he was able to do that.

In 2009 the Red Bulls had a record of 5-19-6 (win-loss-tie) which was just bad enough to be the worst in the league. Henry joined the Red Bulls on July 14, 2010. Prior to Henry joining the team, the Red Bulls had a record of 8-5-2. After he signed with them, they finished the season with a record pf 7-4-4 to finish the season 15-9-6 and claim the top spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Red Bulls have made the playoffs every year since he has been with the club. The Red Bulls have compiled a record of 63-40-48 since Henry signed with the team but prior to this year, had never advance passed the “quarter-finals” (conference semi-finals).

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    • Henry has meant a lot to New York and to be honest I never really appreciated him as a player until I actually watched him play in the all-star game back in August of this year. To actually see how much skill and talent he has while on the ball amazes me. He sees things on the field before they happen. He’s not the fastest player on the field but he is one of the most dangerous. His crosses and passes are spot on and his set pieces are just as dangerous.

    The question to be asked is what happens to the Red Bulls if Henry leaves? Yes, I know they still have Bradley Wright-Phillips but they will need more than just Wright-Phillips to compete in the Eastern Conference. Australian Tim Cahill came to New York because of Henry. If he leaves, does Cahill leave? Now you have lost two solid play-makers. 

    Stop! I know what you are about to say. I know Cahill has not contributed much this year but you can’t deny what he has done for the team since he arrived. This isn’t about Cahill so let me get back to the point. Henry is the Captain and fan favorite. It’s hard to replace people like that. 

    I’ve always been disappointed that he has not played a game in Seattle because the Sounders play on turf. I would love to watch one of the world’s best player’s play in person instead of on TV. Henry for sure has two games left as a Red Bull. This Sunday will be his last match at Red Bull Arena unless he decides to come back next year (highly unlikely).

    Will this be the last match that Thierry Henry plays in a Red Bull’s kit? The New England Revolution plays on turf as well and he hasn’t stated whether or not he would play in the second leg. If they beat the Revolution (it will be a tough task) and if Seattle beat Los Angeles, MLS Cup will be held in Seattle. 

    Would Henry sit out the last two games of his MLS career because the games are being played on turf? Highly unlikely as Henry would love nothing more than to go out a winner and if that means he has to play on turf, then so be it.

    Regardless of whatever happens, I would personally like to wish Henry well (unless you play the Sounders) and want to thank you for bringing your talent to MLS. 

    I just wish I would have noticed it sooner so I could have appreciated it more.

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