Rogers announces retirement

LA Galaxy defender Robbie Rogers announced today his retirement from professional soccer.

Rogers, 30, will end his playing career after over 11 (2006-2017) years of professional experience in Major League Soccer, England and the Netherlands playing for SC Heerenveen, Columbus Crew SC, Leeds United and the LA Galaxy.

Rogers won two MLS Cups (2008, 2014) and two MLS Supporters’ Shield trophies (2008, 2009) and earned MLS All-Star (2008, 2009) and MLS Best XI (2008) honors.

While with the LA Galaxy, he made 78 MLS Regular Season appearances and 11 postseason appearances, including starting in the 2014 MLS Cup Final, a 2-1 victory over the New England Revolution.

He will finish his MLS career with 184 appearances in the regular season and 20 postseason appearances across his time with the Galaxy and Crew SC.

“Robbie Rogers has been an integral part of our club and our community since he joined the LA Galaxy in 2013,” said Chris Klein, LA Galaxy President.

He was also named to the ACC All-Conference Freshman team, Top Drawer Soccer Rookie Team of the Year, Soccer America All-Freshman second team and College Soccer News All-Freshmen third team.

Rogers became the first openly-gay male athlete to compete in a top North American professional sports league when he played his first match for the Galaxy in 2013.