UPPER MONTCLAIR, N.J. – Tim Cahill is not scoring goals in bunches for the New York Red Bulls, and he is not really bothered by that.
With one goal to his name through the first 15 games of his Red Bulls career, Cahill isn't concerning himself too much with finding the back of the net. Certain sections of the Red Bulls fanbase and media are clamoring for him to do so considering his status as a Designated Player, but the Australian international doesn't believe he needs to get another goal to make an impact with New York.
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“I don’t think I need a goal,” Cahill said Thursday. “I think who needs the goals are probably [fans and media]. I need to play. It’s only been one game in the season. Last year was a different [story]. … I think in this league the focus on DPs and these players from Europe is so much because of the money and so many circumstances.
“But I’ve enjoyed a career in being in highlights and being at the top of my game as a goalscorer and whatever, but with the Red Bulls it’s not about me, it’s not about the individuals. When it goes in, it’ll go in but it’s not going to be different to any other goal because internationally, domestically, I know I can score goals.”
The 33-year-old midfielder may be unfazed by his lack of offensive output, but pressure from both fans and media will likely continue to grow with each passing game that he fails to find the back of the net.
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Cahill’s next chance to end his current drought, and alleviate some of that pressure, will be on Sunday night, when the Red Bulls visit the San Jose Earthquakes at Buck Shaw Stadium (10 pm ET, ESPN2, live chat on MLSsoccer.com).
“If it comes, it comes. if it doesn’t then you guys will be unhappy for a bit longer and we’ll see what happens,” said Cahill. “But anyone who knows who I am, I play for the team. … As long as the team wins, then it doesn’t matter who scores.
“The main thing is you give something to the team, defensively [or] offensively, I think it’s really important. If it comes this week then let’s see what we’ll be chatting about after the game.”
Franco Panizo covers the New York Red Bulls for MLSsoccer.com.
