August 30, 2012
NO DOUBT ABOUT IT
Cahill: Red Bulls deserved to win

Tim Cahill: "There is a sense of disappointment amongst the lads that we didn’t get the win tonight because I thought we dominated the play and we created a lot of chances." Linda Cuttone/Sports Vue Images

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Red Bulls midfielder Tim Cahill admitted he had mixed feelings about his team's 2-2 tie at D.C. United on Wednesday.

He was heartened by the team's effort, but was disappointed by the fact the Red Bulls walked out of RFK Stadium with only a point. It was the second successive draw for New York, which played Sporting Kansas City to a 1-1 tie on Sunday.

“I feel really positive with the last two results," Cahill said. "There is a sense of disappointment amongst the lads that we didn’t get the win tonight because I thought we dominated the play and we created a lot of chances. I feel we have given away the last three goals that have been scored against us."

The Australian international felt the Red Bulls deserved to win the game. A victory would have boosted them into first place in the Eastern Conference past KC. Instead, they remained in second place.

“We should have really won this game and I feel anyone who watched it will probably agree," he said. "I’m really happy about playing the way we did away from home, especially when playing two games in a week. This is the way to go, this is the way forward, and we need to back it up. The good thing is that the lads are disappointed with drawing and with the way we gave away the goals, but we’re going to put it right in the future.”

Cahill, who scored the game-winner in the 3-2 comeback win over the Portland Timbers at home on Aug. 19, had a pair of close encounters on Wednesday. His point-blank header was denied by goalkeeper Bill Hamid in the ..... minute. Two minutes later, another Cahill header sailed wide left.

“I’m not surprised about what he can bring to the team," team captain and striker Thierry Henry said. "He is a very physical player and sometimes he gets unjust calls against him by referees who might not be accustomed to the physicality of the Premier League. He is a competitor and will improve as we are going forward.”

Cahill, who joined the Red Bulls from Everton from the English Premier League as a Designated Player on July 26. He has been forced to get back into game shape, although you would known in the past two games. Cahill went the full 90 minutes plus stoppage time in both encounters.

“He will be a massive signing for us," coach Hans Backe said. "He’s all over the place, and has great work ethic. The way he creates chances has been great. He reads the game very well. He could die for the cause wherever he plays, which is a phenomenal attitude.”