Larentowicz retires after 16 years in MLS
ATLANTA — Jeff Larentowicz has retired after a 16-year career in Major League Soccer that included more than 400 appearances and championships in Colorado and Atlanta.
The 37-year-old Larentowicz closed out his career with Atlanta United, helping the team win the MLS Cup title in 2018, its second season in the league.
United announced in November that Larentowicz would not be back after his contract expired. After considering his options, Larentowicz officially retired Monday, April 5, in a statement released on social media.
He also played for New England, Chicago and LA Galaxy during his MLS career, finishing with 437 regular-season league appearances — including 397 starts — as both a midfielder and a defender.
“He’s a pro’s pro,” said Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan, a teammate of Larentowicz’s the last four seasons. “He was one of the leaders here at this club. To see the career he’s had, the amount of work he’s put into his career, I tip my hat to him.”
Among non-goalkeepers, Kyle Beckerman was the only MLS player with more appearances (461). Beckerman (461) and Chadd Marshall (404) were the only field players with more starts than Larentowicz, who logged 39,206 minutes of playing time in league and playoff games.
“To the fans of New England, Atlanta, Colorado, Los Angeles and Chicago, thanks for your heart,” Larentowicz wrote in the statement. “Sometimes there were many of you, sometimes there were few, but if there’s one thing