G: Robles

I'm not a huge Robles fan but I thought he played phenomenal the whole game. Late on, he spilled one within the last five minutes (while the lead was still only at one) but a shutout is still a shutout. That was probably his only mistake of the game. He stopped everything that came his way, including a few he might have let past on any other day. Above average performance for him and hopefully the shape of things to come.

Defense: Lade, Holgersson, Olave, Barklage

"Getting out alive" is probably not the long term motto you want for your defense but like I said, nobody can complain about a shut-out. A few times they played great long balls out of the back to create some attacking chances and Lade was up through the midfield all game. Holgersson probably played the best defensive game with even the reliable Olave getting lost a time or two. If Houston's finishing was there today, their could've been a few goals for the Dynamo.

Midfield: Cahill, Steele, McCarty, Alexander

The midfield was hit and miss for me as I thought Cahill and Alexander played very well and McCarty was virtually invisible. With Cahill in the lineup, the midfield seemed to be much more interested in their defensive pressure but it dropped off a bit once they got the goal and Houston started pushing forwards. Until his late goal, I didn't see much out of Steele that I liked but he tried to get involved and make things happen. Kimura clogged up a late buildup before striking it to the front of the goal where Cahill tried to finish it but was ruled offsides. All in all, a solid performance.

Forwards: Henry, Espindola

For two who normally don't shine together, they seemed to do alright as long as Cahill was there lurking behind them to create a three man attack. Espindola secured a goal and Henry picked up an assist, meaning the boys up front did what they had to do to get the points. When Luyindula came in, he had an immediate chance followed by an Henry rebound but Hall and Boswell had other ideas.

Match Facts:

Goals: Espindola ('60), Steele ('88)

Assists: Alexander ('60), Henry ('88)

Subs: Luyindula for Espindola ('78), Kimura for Alexander ('81), Bover for Steele ('93)

Bottom Line:

NO LATE GOALS, PROTECTED THE LEAD

New York might've gotten their insurance goal with only two minutes left before stoppage time but the Red Bulls didn't allow one in the last fifteen minutes, an issue that caused me to hold my breath the whole time. 9 goals we've allowed this year in the last 15 minutes.

ESPINDOLA SCORES, WITHIN A POINT OF FIRST

Espindola's goal helped snap a long streak of poor play for him and while it's early to say he's back to normal, he may be gradually understanding how to play alongside Henry. Also, with the win, the Red Bulls move within a point of first place in the ever unstable Eastern Conference.

HENRY DOESN'T BREAK SLUMP

Henry had a few chances early but couldn't convert, causing him to drop back a bit and try to get others involved. It worked, as he picked up an assist but I would've liked to see him take a few chances from the top of the box, especially late after we picked up the second goal.