Socceroos star Tim Cahill scored the fastest goal in Major League Soccer history when he struck for the league-leading New York Red Bulls just seven seconds into their clash with Houston Dynamo.
Cahill took the kickoff then ran forward to receive a lobbed pass from Dax McCarty, brought it down and blasted home a right-footed shot from outside the area.
The goal was four seconds faster than the previous MLS record of 11 seconds and it kick-started New York to a 3-0 away win on Sunday (Monday AEDT).
It was just another highlight in a memorable season for 33-year-old Cahill with New York who lead the Eastern Conference and are guaranteed a playoffs spot.
He has 10 goals from 25 games, one more than celebrated French striker and teammate Thierry Henry, as well as four assists.
For New York, on 56 points, the arithmetic is simple: win next Sunday at home against the Chicago Fire, and they claim the first significant hardware in team history – the Supporters Shield for the best record in the MLS regular season – plus home field advantage throughout the post season.
Brick Tamlin of the Pants Party
Guest
He's normally the first to get in on the celebrations when someone else scores as well the cheeky bugger.
Brick Tamlin of the Pants Party
Guest
Great goal,it's funny when I was younger we were told to put one up like that from the kick off just to put the defenders of the opposition under immediate pressure and in most games you still see a floated ball to the strikers is the first action of the game,very rare to get this kind of result from it!
Steven McBain
Roar Guru
Everytime I see Cahill score I always ask myself whether his teammates ever get hacked off with him shoving them away so he can shadow box the corner flag....? He gave one of his guys a right royal shove after doing so this time!
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
I loved this, was absolute slice and dice. What a strike from Timmy as well! :)