Aussies Abroad | Cahill kicks off

Tim Cahill kicked off his MLS season with a frantic 3-3 draw for the New York Red Bulls, while Tommy Oar, Robbie Kruse and James Holland all starred.

It was a quiet weekend for our Aussies Abroad in Europe and Asia, with a World Cup qualifier just around the corner. Thankfully young stars Tommy Oar, Robbie Kruse and James Holland continue to play good minutes for their European clubs.

In the Barclays Premier League, Mark Schwarzer was the only one of our three goalkeepers to make it onto the field.

Schwarzer's Fulham saw a 2-0 lead evaporate in a 2-2 draw with Sunderland, but Adam Federici (ankle) and Brad Jones (shoulder) were both out of action.

On Tuesday morning (EDT), Brett Holman was a second-half substitute for Aston Villa as they chased a result against Manchester City. Holman was energetic as usual, but largely inaffective.

America's Major League Soccer got underway on Monday, which saw Tim Cahill enjoy his first competitive hit-out in some time.

The Qantas Socceroos striker had a frustrating season opener with New York Red Bulls, who drew 3-3 with Portland Timberwolves in what was a frenetic game played in a frenzied atmosphere.

Back in England in the nPower Championship, Scott McDonald was lively in Middlesbrough's terrific 2-1 win over table-toppers Cardiff City.

The much maligned McDonald, returning to full fitness, was heavily involved in both goals and almost nabbed one for himself.

Elsewhere, Mile Jedinak's Crystal Palace beat Derby County 1-0 to stay in touch with the promotion places. Jedinak, adored at Palace for his industrious style, hit the bar with a 25m thunderbolt and was also involved in the game's only goal.

Shane Lowry's Millwall lost 1-0 to Leeds United; Lowry gave away a first-half penalty, which was saved.

In Scotland, Dylan McGowan was the only Aussie to get a game - but he'd rather wish he didn't. He scored an own goal as Hearts lost 2-1 to Motherwell.

On the continent:

Germany: Robbie Kruse played 90 minutes as Fortuna Dusseldorf drew 1-1 with FSV Mainz.

Austria: James Holland played another full game as Austria Wien thumped Wacker Innsbruck 4-0.

Holland: Tommy Oar started and played 79 minutes in FC Utrecht's 2-0 loss to Vitesse, forcing a very good first-half save after a vintage run.

In Asia:

Korea: Eddy Bosnar's Suwon Bluewings returned from ACL duty to win 2-1 over Seongnam; Robbie Cornthwaite played the final 20 minutes in Chunnam Dragons' 1-0 loss to Jeju United.

Middle East: Dino Djulbic's Al Wahda beat Al Shaab 1-0; Nick Carle's Baniyas beat Dibba Al Fujairah 2-1; Richard Porta's Dubai lost 4-1 to Al Nasr; Alex Brosque Al Ain beat Al Jazira 1-0.


The Qantas Socceroos face Oman in a FIFA World Cup qualifier Sydney on 26 March. Click here to buy your tickets.