I wake up this morning to see that everyone’s favorite Socceroo is trending on Twitter. That’s right, Mr. Tim Cahill is at it again. He scored not one but two goals for Australia versus China in the Asia Cup today, securing Australia’s spot in the tournament semi-finals. In typical Cahill fashion the goals were spectacular. The first was a wicked bicycle kick inside the six yard box, and the other was a vintage Cahill header. Congrats, buddy! We’re all proud of you. He sure does love scoring big goals while donning that Australia kit. Doing so while rocking a Red Bull jersey? Not so much.
Boy, have things soured since his arrival in 2012. As a longtime Red Bull fan I was ecstatic when Tim signed. I loved his game, his work rate and his attitude. During the 2010 World Cup, I vividly remember sitting on the couch with my roommates saying “Man, I’d love to see him in MLS.” Low and behold two summers later that wish came to fruition.
While his first season in MLS did not pan out well, many fans and media members were unjustly questioning his hefty “Designated Player” salary. A silly knee jerk reaction, as it is no secret that the majority of players who make the jump from Europe need a full offseason to get acclimated and find their game in MLS. Henry and Beckham proved that in their debut half seasons as well. The 2013 season was Cahill’s first full campaign in New York and it was a rousing success. While notching 11 goals he was the team’s most pivotal player on the way to winning the first trophy in franchise history.
To the dismay of the Red Bull faithful, fortunes turned for the worse in 2014 as Cahill seemed out of place in the clubs lineup and uninterested on the field. He lacked the fire and win at all costs mentality we were used to. He was clearly saving himself for the upcoming World Cup. While it is certainly not ideal, I can understand the mentality, be it that the World Cup is once or twice in a lifetime opportunity. I get it. He sparkled for the Socceroos, scoring what I felt was absolutely the Goal of the Tournament and playing like a man on a mission.
I assumed once his inclusion in the tournament ended he would be all in with the Red Bulls. Unfortunately, that was merely wishful thinking. When he returned to New York his interest and fire for the club was minimal. He and then head coach, Mike Petke, were not on the same page. In turn, Cahill seemed to make his international career priority number one. Timmy boy scored a whopping 2 goals in all of 2014 for the Red Bulls. He tallied 7 for Australia during that calendar year in nine fewer matches.
Since the 2014 season concluded, Cahill has dropped plenty of hints that he wants out of New York. Considering his self-confessed greatest achievement since joining the Red Bulls has been “fan activation” it is clear the return on investment from the League’s stand point is minimal. During the recent Red Bull town Hall Meeting with season ticketholders, newly appointed head coach, Jesse Marsch, spoke candidly about the Cahill situation. When asked “How long are we going to have him (Cahill) hold us hostage on what his decision is going to be?” Marsch replied, “It’s hard to figure out whether he wants to be here or not… If he wants to be here, what are the terms? If he is going to be here he’s got to be part of this team like he gives… like it’s in his heart. It can’t be just because there is a big paycheck.”
I could not agree more with that statement. By the way, didn’t it sound like Marsch started to say “…he’s got to be part of this team like he give a shit.” Nice catch, Jesse! My hope for the club and League is that they work out a deal to send him back to where he wants to be which is clearly in Australia. If his heart and head aren’t in MLS then it is time to go. Despite all of that wonderful “fan activation” the bang for the buck isn’t there for Red Bull, the League, or the fans. Adios, Timmy!
(image courtesy of Fox Sports News)
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