Tim Cahill and NY Red Bulls end rocky relationship

The New York Red Bulls and Tim Cahill were never a match made in heaven for whatever reasons.

And thus with a whimper, the New York Red Bulls and designated player Tim Cahill ended what was more often than not a complicated partnership on Monday. Much can be taken from the words offered by Red Bulls Sporting Director Ali Curtis in the club’s official press release:

"“This decision was not made lightly, and it is the result of many conversations between our staff, Tim, and his agent. After much deliberation, we have agreed that this decision is best for all involved. We thank Tim for his service to the organization. He positively impacted the growth of the beautiful game in the United States, MLS and for the Red Bulls. We are pleased that Tim will continue to be an ambassador for Red Bull moving forward.”"

Translation: Thanks for everything Tim, but don’t let the door hit ya on the way out.

While it was hardly a surprise that Cahill and the Red Bulls parted ways — the move had been rumored since before this past holiday season — it is a bit curious that Curtis and company chose this route of going about it. Cahill certainly had suitors both in Major League Soccer and abroad, and it would not have hurt the Red Bulls to pocket some cash that would have come from any sale. New York instead allowed the Australian international to leave on his own terms without the club getting anything in return. Cahill announced later on in the day that he was joining Shanghai Shenhua.

Cahill’s stint at the Red Bulls was about as Metro-y as they come, an up-and-down roller coaster ride that brought with it delightful moments and also times where supporters were left banging their heads against walls wondering just what in the heck was happening. He linked up with the MLS outfit in the summer of 2012, and he was largely a non-factor during his early days in the North American top-flight. Cahill picked up a single goal and three assists in 12 appearances.

It seemed early into 2013 that Cahill was not going to find his MLS legs, at least not with the Red Bulls. Then came April, when ESPN television commentator and former player Taylor Twellman hit out at the high-priced talent. Cahill responded both on the pitch and via the Internet, instantly evolving into the team leader and impact-player the Red Bulls needed him to be. Living legend Thierry Henry may have been wearing the armband during Red Bulls matches, but it was clear to anybody paying attention that Cahill was the team’s true captain.

In 27 regular season appearances, all starts, Cahill netted 11 goals and he notched five assists, but those stats tell only a fraction of what he contributed to the Red Bulls. Cahill became the best overall player on what turned out to be the best overall team in MLS, and he helped the Red Bulls win the Supporters’ Shield, the first meaningful trophy in the history of the club. That Cahill was not named Most Valuable Player for the campaign was a true sports crime perpetrated because that’s just how MLS works sometime.

As sparkling as Cahill was in 2013, however, he was downright disappointing this past season. With his mind and his heart seemingly centered on featuring for Australia during the World Cup, Cahill failed to find his ’13 form. As fair or not as that perception may have been, Cahill (and his “team”) did himself little favors among supporters of the Red Bulls by constantly flooding social media platforms with messages promoting his brand, his latest achievements while playing for Australia, and other projects that had little or nothing to do with the Red Bulls.

Cahill finished what was to be his final MLS season with a pair of goals and a pair of assists, which is underwhelming even before learning that he made a total of $3.625 million in player salary for 2014. It would be dishonest to claim that Cahill was a complete bust for the Red Bulls last year, as he did net a tally during the second leg of the club’s showdown with New England Revolution in the Eastern Conference Championship. That was not enough to see the Red Bulls through to MLS Cup, and that defeat proved to be the unforeseen unofficial start of a RBNY revolution.

Things have been chaotic for the club that calls Harrison, New Jersey home over the past couple of months. The Red Bulls have refuted rumors that the club is for sale, the team hired a new sporting director, beloved head coach Mike Petke was shown the door because of some master plan had by Mr. Curtis, Henry retired, Cahill is gone, and the Red Bulls have responded to losing those two designated players by acquiring some guys and fringe United States Men’s National Team player Sacha Kljestan.

Those worried that Red Bull is slashing costs on its American soccer experiment have little reason to think otherwise three days into February. Say whatever you will about his 2014 numbers. The Red Bulls have still not located a suitable replacement for the Cahill of two seasons ago, and the club also has done nothing to account for the loss of Henry. While the idea of the Red Bulls going all-in on a youth movement that is more about team-play than about individual efforts is one that carries plenty of merit, that does not erase the fact that this roster is as devoid of superstars as is any top professional team in the New York market.

As for Cahill and his time with the Red Bulls, the tale ends as did television show The Sopranos: It was fun while it lasted, it peaked before the final season, it probably could have come to a conclusion before it did, and the finale left fans unfulfilled and with more questions than answers. Cahill has Metro in his blood after all, just not how some would have imagined.

More from FanSided

Home/MLS