Socceroo and New York Red Bulls star Tim Cahill has been named in Major League Soccer’s Best XI, following his first full season playing in the United States.
Socceroo and New York Red Bulls star Tim Cahill has been named in Major League Soccer-s Best XI, following his first full season playing in the United States.
The side, which recognises the top 11 players in the league, was selected from a vote by media, team executives and players.
On the back of equalling Damian Mori-s record as leading goal scorer for the Socceroos, Cahill was the only player named from the Red Bulls side which claimed the MLS minor-premiership.
The 33-year-old led the New York outfit with 11 goals, including the fastest ever goal scored in MLS history, and also created five assists in his 27 starts.
"I have enjoyed my first full season in MLS and want to thank those around the league who voted for me for this prestigious honor," Cahill said. "I also want to thank my teammates, the club and the fans for their unbelievable support since I arrived in New York.
"Our club had a terrific year in 2013 by winning the Supporters' Shield, and I am looking forward to helping our team build on that success next season."
It was not just his contribution but the fact he was able to deliver when his side often needed it most that was identified as a key factor in Cahill-s selection.
The Red Bulls midfielder netted five decisive goals and two game equalling goals for his side. He also finished the MLS season in a flurry producing seven goals and two assists in the season-s final 11 games,
Cahill joined the Red Bulls as a Designated Player on July 26 2012, following a prolific career in the English Premier League with Everton.
The 64 capped Socceroo, who played an important role in Australia's World Cup qualification, became our equal all-time leading goal scorer with 29 goals, when he netted the only goal in the Socceroos 1-0 victory over Costa Rica last month.
2013 Major League Soccer Best XI Goalkeeper - Donovan Ricketts (Portland Timbers) Defender - Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City) Defender - Jose Goncalves (New England Revolution) Defender - Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy) Midfielder - Tim Cahill (New York Red Bulls) Midfielder - Will Johnson (Portland Timbers) Midfielder - Diego Valeri (Portland Timbers) Midfielder - Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City) Forward - Marco Di Vaio (Montreal Impact) Forward - Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy) Forward - Mike Magee (Chicago Fire)