IT HAD BEEN a very long time coming but the New York Red Bulls finally managed to defeat arch rival D.C. United in a playoff series and will now take on a powerful New England Revolution team in Major League Soccer's Eastern Conference Finals.

The second leg began rather predictably with D.C. United pressing early and the Red Bulls adopting a more conservative approach to protect its 2-0 lead from the first leg. Toward the end of the first half, the game opened up for both teams but it was D.C. United that drew first blood when Nick DeLeon finished off a cross from Taylor Kemp.

At the start of the second half, the game settled into a back and forth affair. Ben Olsen's home side nearly evened the aggregate score at two in the 53rd minute when former Red Bull striker Fabian Espindola headed a ball that flew inches wide of the goal.

In the 57th minute, the Red Bulls effectively ended the series on a beautiful team goal. Bradley Wright-Phillips controlled a well-placed Dax McCarty pass and swung Thierry Henry out wide. Henry then moved into the box and sent in a perfect low cross that was finished off by fellow Frenchman Peguy Luyindula.

The goal leveled the game at 1-1 and put the Red Bulls up 3-1 on aggregate. With the away goal, however, D.C. United would need three more to advance. The equalizer deflated D.C. United and its supporters at RFK Stadium. Sean Franklin’s goal in stoppage time gave D.C. a 2-1 victory but was meaningless and the Red Bulls coasted to the next round.

Here are three thoughts on the series, including a quick look ahead.

The French Connection

The Thierry Henry-Peguy Luyindula combination proved decisive in the two-game series. The pair created a pair of goals in each game, and D.C. seemed incapable of stopping the two veteran attackers.

It wasn’t just their goals, however—their overall quality impressed in both contests. In the second goal of the first leg, Henry’s incredible long pass sent Luyindula in alone on Hamid. On Sunday, it was Henry’s low cross that met Luyindula’s well-timed run.

With both Frenchman playing with confidence and purpose, New York may just have what it takes to defeate the surging New England Revolution.

D.C. Struggled in Second Season

Up until 2014 the Red Bulls/Metrostars had been the team that crumbles in the playoffs and D.C. United is the team that overachieves. This time, it was the complete opposite.

D.C. United enjoyed a phenomenal year considering its disastrous showing in 2013. More was expected from the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, but the squad simply did not look prepared in the opening leg in Harrison, N.J.

The core of the team is young and it should be in good shape in 2015. The question will be whether these players can raise their level when the intensity level ratchets up in the MLS playoffs. They will be tested early next year in the CONCACAF Champions League knockout rounds.

Red Bulls Need to Maintain Edge

The Red Bulls feature a core of veteran European players and that has its benefits. But getting a team that consists of Henry, Luyindula, Wright-Phillips, and Lloyd Sam to play with a chip on its shoulder can be a challenge.

Coach Mike Petke deserve's the lion's share credit for having his team ready to play. The Red Bulls look far more dangerous right now than it did last season when it won the Supporters' Shield. New England will be the favorite when the Conference Finals begin on November 23 in Red Bull Arena, but New York will not be a pushover.

Brian Sciaretta is an American Soccer Now columnist and an ASN 100 panelist. Follow him on Twitter.