Kenny Cooper netted the decisive goal on 78 minutes to take his tally to nine goals in 11 games this season, level with team-mate Thierry Henry.

New York were ahead in the 17th minute through Estonian midfielder Joel Lindpere before Lionard Pajoy levelled the match 15 minutes later.

Freddy Adu received his marching orders two minutes prior to the interval for diving; the American international's second bookable offence.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Pajoy bagged a brace just after half-time, skipping past two New York defenders and placing a shot past Ryan Meara.

Markus Holgersson equalised from a corner with 20 minutes remaining before Cooper rounded Meara in goal and secured all three points for the visitors.

The Red Bulls are now on a four-game winning streak while the Union have lost three out of their last five matches.

At Buck Shaw Stadium, Chivas USA managed to hold the San Jose Earthquakes to a 1-1 draw.

San Jose had 24 attempts on goal compared to the visitors' five for the whole match.

But it was Chivas who took the lead courtesy of new signing Jose Correa in the fourth minute.

Correa found the back of the net inside the six-yard box with a deft touch to leave Jonathan Busch helpless in goal.

But with Chivas on track for their first victory since April 15 in Toronto, San Jose substitute Allan Gordan scored to level the match on 88 minutes.