Thierry Henry's second-half strike has given New York Red Bulls a vital victory over Houston Dynamo in their quest to secure an MLS playoff place.

Henry almost put the home side ahead before the break when the former Arsenal and Barcelona forward smashed an effort against the crossbar with keeper Tyler Deric beaten.

Lloyd Sam also went close late in a dominant first half for the Red Bulls when his curling effort was only just wide of the Houston goal.

His decisive goal came when the ball was not cleared by the Dynamo defence and deflected into the Frenchman's path, leaving him to finish from close range.

On 53 minutes, Giles Barnes almost brought Houston level after connecting with Brad Davis's cross, but his effort was saved Luis Robles.

New York needed to survive a late onslaught from the visitors as Barnes, Davis and Luis Garrido all squandered opportunities to equalise.

The home side's task was made more difficult when ex-Everton midfielder Tim Cahill was given a straight red card for a serious foul two minutes from time.

However, the Red Bulls managed to hold on to remain in the top five in the Eastern Conference.