French national and former English Premier League star Thierry Henry scored a goal in his American football debut but it wasn't enough to get his New York Red Bulls past Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday. Robbie Keane and Gareth Bale scored as Hotspur rallied with two second half goals to beat the Red Bulls 2-1 in an international friendly between Henry's Major League Soccer side and the English Premier League club at the Red Bull Arena. “I would say that the reception was tremendous every time I touched the ball,” Henry said. Henry scored in the 24th minute of the first half for the Red Bulls. He made a near-post run past Verdan Corluka and then stretched feet first in the box to deflect a cross from Estonian national team player Joel Lindpere past goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini. Keane equalled in the 62nd minute, tapping the ball into an open net after Andros Townsend's corner kick was misjudged by ‘keeper Greg Sutton. Bale scored 10 minutes later. “He was a tough player over there,” Keane said of Henry. “I'm sure he'll be a tough player over here, as well.” Henry's arrival in the USA follows his release from Spanish club Barcelona and coincided with Henry's confirmation that he has retired from international football after making 123 appearances and scoring a record 51 goals for France. Henry, who turns 33 next month, signed a four and a half year deal with the Red Bulls. He is the latest in a list of aging veteran football stars lured to American soil with a chance to extend their careers and the promise of a lucrative contract. Henry, a former World Cup and European champion with France, is the highest-profile player to join MLS since David Beckham signed with Los Angeles three years ago. “He'll be a massive hit here in New York I'm sure,” Spurs manager Harry Redknapp said. “He's a world-class player still. He could play on any team in the Premier League in England. He's still good enough.” Playing his first match since France was eliminated from the World Cup with a loss to South Africa on June 22, Henry was received a loud ovation when introduced in front of the crowd of 20,312. The newest Red Bull member clapped his hands above his head to salute the crowd. It didn't take long for Henry to impress. He had some deft exchanges with Lindpere and executed a freeing backheel pass and a bicycle kick that went wide. Some fans also like the fact Henry took public transportation to the game. Donovan's late goal earns draw for Galaxy Landon Donovan scored in the 90th minute to salvage a 2-2 draw for Los Angeles Galaxy against the San Jose Earthquakes in Major League Soccer Thursday. Bobby Convey opened the scoring for the Earthquakes in the second minute with a diagonal shot from 14 yards before Edson Buddle equalized in the 59th from close range. Brandon McDonald put the Earthquakes ahead 2-1 in the 72nd and an upset loomed until Donovan tapped in just before fulltime. The Galaxy extended their lead over second-place Real Salt Lake to 10 points in the Western Conference.
