New York Red Bulls coach Hans Backe admits goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul saved the team in their narrow 1-0 win over Kansas City Wizards.

The Senegalese gloveman came up with a string of top-class saves to keep the Red Bulls ahead after Dane Richards' 6th minute goal and eventually put New York top of the Eastern Conference.

His performance was praised by Backe who said Coundoul had been the key in recent times.

"Bouna Coundoul saved us,'' said Backe. "I would say the last two or three months, he's been almost outstanding for us: No, mistakes, absolutely doing what you can expect and a little more, because he has definitely made some key saves.''

His showing was not lost on skipper Juan Pablo Angel either: "He was huge, he kept us in the game and he won it for us. I'm glad for him.''