Filed under: MLS, U.S. Men’s National Team, Colorado Rapids, Los Angeles Galaxy, New York Red Bulls, Real Salt Lake
Clint Mathis, the always quotable, often moody, dazzlingly talented but often frustrating former U.S. national team forward, announced his retirement from soccer on Tuesday afternoon. Now a member of the Los Angeles Galaxy, he’ll play his final game on Saturday against Real Madrid in a friendly at the Rose Bowl before hanging up the boots for good.
Mathis, 33, has been struggling with knee issues this season and has played just 182 minutes across nine MLS games, all as a second-half substitute. He joined L.A. during the offseason after helping Real Salt Lake beat the Galaxy in last year’s MLS Cup final, during which he arguably was the best player on the field. That capped an up-and-down career that ranged from his brilliant and timely goal against South Korea in the 2002 World Cup to a five-clubs-in-three-years slog during which Mathis was more of a punchline than a player.
But he emerged relatively triumphant, playing a key role in capturing an elusive title and restoring his image. We won’t remember him as undisciplined, angry or overweight. We’ll remember the great goals, the candid comments, the mohawk and the Sports Illustrated cover.
“It has been an amazing and exciting ride, full of moments and people that will stay with me forever,” Mathis said Tuesday. “I cannot thank everyone who has been a part of this journey with me enough for all that you have done to help me enjoy such a fulfilling life in the sport of soccer.”
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