Red Bulls down Union to punch playoff ticket

The New York Red Bulls only needed a tie on Thursday night to secure their place in the 2011 MLS playoffs, but they stepped up despite missing their best player and delivered a victory and some hope for a dream ending to a largely disappointing season.

Playing without star striker Thierry Henry, the Red Bulls rode an own goal forced by Dane Richards and disciplined defending on their way to a 1-0 victory over the Philadelphia Union at Red Bull Arena.