Union Vs. Red Bulls Final Score: New York Blanks Philadelphia 1-0

Read More: Thierry Henry (F - France), Dane Richards (MIDFIELDER - New York Red Bulls), Faryd Mondragon (GOALKEEPER - Philadelphia Union), Chicago Fire, Columbus Crew, New York Red Bulls, Houston Dynamo, Portland Timbers

The New York Red Bulls dribbled their way into the Harrison arena on Thursday night (Oct. 20, 2011) without striker Thierry Henry, who was benched after receiving a straight red card against Kansas City last week.

Not only that, the struggling soccer team was facing elimination, as a loss to the Philadelphia Union would have bounced them from the postseason.

I guess nobody told Dane Richards.

His head shot that bounced off goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon not only won the game and secured a playoff spot for New York, it also eliminated the Chicago Fire and Portland Timbers.

Tonight’s loss was a major disappointment for the Union, who finish with 48 points and await the results of this weekend’s games from the Houston Dynamo (46 points) and Columbus Crew (47 points).

Goodbye, bye, hello wildcard.

For more on tonight’s game, head over to our Union blog Brotherly Game and Red Bulls blog Once A Metro.