Conor Casey brace downs 10-man New York Red Bulls

A clinical brace from Conor Casey has helped the Philadelphia Union record back-to-back wins with a 2-0 success over the New York Red Bulls.

The home side made a bright start and took the lead after seven minutes through Casey, who powered home a header from close range after a measured cross from Sheanon Williams.

New York's chances of responding were hampered soon after as Lloyd Sam was handed a straight red card for a late lunge on Danny Cruz.

Thierry Henry and Peggy Luyindula threatened on the counter for the Red Bulls, but Philadelphia largely controlled possession until the break.

Just past the hour mark Philadelphia extended their lead as Casey took advantage of slack marking to slam home his second from inside the penalty area.

Fabian Espindola and Eric Alexander wasted late chances to reduce the deficit for New York, with substitute Antoine Hoppenot adding gloss to the scoreline late on at the other end.

The Union held firm in the closing stages to record back-to-back victories, with an injury-plagued Red Bulls side slipping to their sixth defeat of the season.