NEW YORK CITY, USA (CMC) — Ryan Johnson gave Toronto FC a bright start with an early strike, but Kenny Cooper led a stampede, catapulting the New York Red Bulls to a

4-1 victory on Saturday in Major League Soccer.

The Jamaican striker gave the Canadian side an early lead when he scored a goal in the sixth minute past MLS newcomer Luis Robles.

Johnson, aged 28, blasted a shot past the goalkeeper and into the top corner of the far post on an effort from 30 yards out.

But Johnson's effort was soon cancelled out, when Markus Holgersson headed home a Thierry Henry corner to give the New York response seven minutes later.

The match meandered before Cooper handed the Red Bulls the lead in the 27th minute, finishing off a nice build-up from the home team.

Wilman Conde played a long ball over the top that was nodded down by Henry to Lloyd Sam. The New York midfielder then played a quality throughball behind Toronto FC's defence to Henry, and the Red Bulls captain slipped it to Cooper for the easy finish in front of an open goal.

The second half saw more of the same from both sides, but neither team was able to find the back of the net until Henry delivered his 12th assist of the season to Cooper in the 88th minute.

The former Arsenal start collected a pass from Jan Gunnar Solli, dribbled away from a defender and played a low ball across the six-yard box that Cooper smashed home for his 16th goal of the year.

Cooper then returned the favour to the star French forward in stoppage time to blow the

game wide open, hitting a throughball that Henry floated over Toronto FC's net-minder Freddy Hall from 25 yards out.

The Red Bulls return to action next Saturday to host the Chicago Fire in the afternoon of their final game before the upcoming international break. Toronto FC host DC United at BMO Field later that day.