HARRISON, N.J. (12498828" tabindex="0">Dec. 3, 2013) – New York Red Bulls midfielder Tim Cahill was named to Major League Soccer’s Best XI today. It is the first time that Cahill, who just completed his first full season in MLS, earned a spot on the list which recognizes the league’s top 11 players on the field.
Cahill, a 2013 MLS All-Star and Australian international, led the Red Bulls with 11 goals and chipped in five assists in 27 starts. Cahill was known for his clutch performances and had a number of highlights throughout this season, tallying five game-winning goals, three of which came after the 75th minute. He also recorded two game-tying goals that came in the final 15 minutes of games this past year.
"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."
The 33-year-old put his name into the MLS record book when he scored the fastest goal in league history just eight seconds into New York’s 3-0 win over Houston on 12498829" tabindex="0">Oct. 20. In two playoff games, Cahill notched a goal and an assist. Cahill joined the Red Bulls as a Designated Player on July 26, 2012, following a successful stint at English Premier League side Everton and featured in 12 regular-season matches for New York last year, tallying one goal and three assists. On Nov. 19, 2013, Cahill, who helped his country qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, tied Australia’s career goal record of 29 with the only goal in a 1-0 friendly win over Costa Rica.
This year, MLS players, club leadership, and media members voted one goalkeeper, three defenders, four midfielders, and three forwards to the Best XI, listed below in alphabetical order within each position:
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)
