Red Bulls send Juan Agudelo to Chivas USA‎. File Photo: Vera / DailyHarrison.com

When the New York Red Bulls acquired Kenny Cooper from the Portland Timbers last January, Juan Agudelo had to see the writing on the wall.

There’s only room on the soccer pitch for two strikers and Cooper was brought in to play alongside of team captain and international superstar Thierry Henry. Also, Red Bulls head coach Hans Backe was never really thrilled with the way Agudelo either trained or played, thinking that Agudelo was more flash and glitter and less substance.

Forward Juan Agudelo sent to Chivas USA in exchange

U.S. National Team defender Heath Pearce. Photo courtesy of Noelle Nobe / Flickr

The New York Red Bulls announced today that they have acquired U.S. National Team defender Heath Pearce, allocation money and future considerations from Chivas USA in exchange for forward Juan Agudelo. Pearce, 27, will join the Red Bulls this week and will be available for selection for New York’s match Saturday against the Montreal Impact at Olympic Stadium at 7:30 PM (TV: MSG; Radio: WLIB 1190 AM).

Kenny Cooper scored the game-winner to help the Red Bulls earn its fourth-straight victory. File Photo: Vera / DailyHarrison.com

The New York Red Bulls accomplished a feat Sunday that they had not achieved in over nine years. They won for the fourth straight time.

Kenny Cooper’s goal, his ninth of the season, in the 78^th minute capped a frantic second-half comeback, leading the Red Bulls to a 3-2 victory over the Philadelphia Union at PPL Park in Chester, Pa. Sunday afternoon.

File Photo: Vera / DailyHarrison.com

New York Red Bulls defender Wilman Conde was arrested early Saturday morning and charged with aggravated assault on a police officer.

The 29-year-old Conde was released on his own recognizance pending a hearing in Fort Lee Municipal Court later this month.

Red Bulls striker Kenny Cooper. File Photo: Vera / DailyHarrison.com

HARRISON – Maybe this is what the New York Red Bulls have become, a defensive-minded, possession controlled squad, due to the rash of injuries the team has suffered in the early going.

However, if it is the case, if this is what the Red Bulls truly are, is there anyone who will complain about it?

Joel Lindpere, the team’s Most Valuable Player in 2010, found a seam between three Galaxy defenders and unleashed a left-footed shot that found the back of the net for the game’s lone goal. File Photo: Vera / DailyHarrison.com

Before his team faced the MLS Cup defending champion Los Angeles Galaxy Saturday in Carson, California, New York Red Bulls head coach Hans Backe admitted that his injury-ravaged team was against all odds while facing the high-profile and highly talented Galaxy.

Thierry Henry left the match in the 24th minute with a right hamstring strain. File Photo: Vera / DailyHarrison.com

HARRISON – Throughout the New York Red Bulls’ litany of player problems, namely refused work visas, suspensions and countless injuries, there was one player who the team could ill afford to lose, namely captain and leading scorer Thierry Henry.