A stoppage-time header from Tim Cahill has given the New York Red Bulls a 1-0 win over Los Angeles Galaxy 1-0 in the MLS.
A stoppage-time header from Tim Cahill has given the New York Red Bulls a 1-0 win over Los Angeles Galaxy 1-0 in the MLS.
Cahill struck for New York in the 91st minute, heading home Juninho's free-kick past Galaxy goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini to stealing victory at the Red Bull Arena but teammate Thierry Henry claimed after the match that the Galaxy 'were better'.
Henry praised the Red Bulls for their ability to grind out wins in games where they have been outplayed, something New York has struggled with in past seasons, according to the 35-year-old French striker.
"I don't think we played well today and they (LA Galaxy) did not deserve to lose," Henry said.
"I actually thought the way LA were playing, especially at the end they deserved to win the game but since I have been here we would have lost that game before and what I learned today was that we can win these type of games. "
Henry paid tribute to Cahill's trademark header and commitment.
"That is the Tim Cahill I know, the one I have seen doing this type of thing (with Everton) in the Premier League," Henry said.
Meanwhile, But Fulham manager Martin Jol says he can't guarantee Mark Schwarzer first-term football next season.
Jol's comments are not a great sign for the Socceroos' potential World Cup campaign in Brazil next year, as Schwarzer, at 40 years of age, could find it hard to find a new club, while the next generation of goalkeepers have yet to reach the heights of Australia's current No.1.
Speaking after Fulham's 3-0 win over Swansea on the final day of the 2012/13 Premier League season, Jol revealed Schwarzer had rejected a contract offer from the London club because he wanted a guarantee he will be the No.1 goalkeeper next season.
The long-time Socceroos goalkeeper has played five seasons with Fulham, racking up over 30 league appearances each campaign, but Jol's comments imply the two parties are far from an agreement.
"We offered Mark a new contract but the only thing is he wanted to be guaranteed to be the No.1 and that is not easy as we need a goalkeeper anyway," Jol said on Sunday.
The situation is complicated due to the form of one of Fulham's other goalkeepers, David Stockdale, who has spent the past season with Championship club Hull City.
The 27-year-old goalkeeper played 26 matches for Hull City as they were promoted to the Premier League and Jol may be tempted to try the younger gloveman ahead of Schwarzer next season.
But after watching Schwarzer put in a brilliant performance during Sunday's victory over Swansea, Jol has not given up hope the veteran Australian will sign a new deal.
"We will sit down with Mark and try to find a solution. Hopefully we will find a resolution. We won 3-0 and he was very good.
"He wants almost a guarantee to be No.1 but if we cannot find a solution we need to get a very good goalkeeper because you need to be very good to be better than, or the same, as him."
While Schwarzer was in fine form against Swansea, the Australian has looked slightly shaky this season, conceding more goals for Fulham in the Premier League than in any other campaign since he joined the London club.
Schwarzer picked the ball out of his net 57 times in his 36 Premier League appearances this season, with his previous worst performance coming in the 2009/10 campaign (45 goals conceded in 37 games).
The Qantas Socceroo face Jordan in Melbourne on Tuesday, 11 June 2013, kick-Off 7.00pm (local time). Click here to buy tickets
They then face Iraq in Sydney on Tuesday 18 June, 2013, kick off 7.30pm (local time). Click here to buy tickets