Claudio To Call It A Career

Longtime US National Team veteran (and former team captain) Claudio Reyna, most recently of the New York Red Bulls, is expected to announce his retirement on Wednesday.

Reyna is scheduled to hold a press conference on Wednesday at St. Benedict's Prep, the New Jersey high school where his storied soccer career began two decades ago.

During his brief time in MLS, Reyna showed glimpses of the ability that made him successful in Europe and with the U.S. national team, but the rigors of playing on artificial turf at Giants Stadium and in the physical MLS at the age of 34 took their toll. He missed matches with a variety of injuries, and after considerable deliberation, Reyna made the final decision to stop playing.

Reyna spent a dozen seasons in Europe, playing for Wolfsburg in Germany, Sunderland and Manchester City in England, and Glasgow Rangers in Scotland. He was regarded as one of the best players ever produced by the United States for his composure and skill in central midfield.

For helping the United States advance to the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup, Claudio became the first American ever named to the All-Tournament team.