Ashley Cole has apologised to Steven Gerrard after he was one of two LA Galaxy players to be denied by Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Tim Howard in a Major League Soccer playoffs shootout.
Former Chelsea and England defender Cole saw his spot-kick stopped by Howard -- with Gerrard having scored in the shootout -- as Galaxy saw their season come to an early end after a 1-1 aggregate draw and a 3-1 loss on penalties.
Cole wrote on Instagram: "Back to LA sad, disappointed and angry. Penalty kicks are there for someone to be a hero and today I was not. Now it's time to think, reflect and try to put a difficult season behind me.
"Thankyou to my teammates, staff and everyone connected with LA Galaxy, and special thanks and apology to the legend that is Steven Gerrard.
"I don't know what's going to happen but it's been a pleasure to play alongside you for club and country -- a true gent."
On Monday, sources close to Gerrard told ESPN FC that he was ready to continue his playing career when his contract at LA Galaxy expires next month.
It is not yet known whether the ex-Liverpool midfielder will prolong his stay in America.
He is due to return to the United Kingdom next month and plans to assess all the options available to him but a move back to the Premier League seems unlikely, with the former Liverpool captain having said he could not imagine playing against his boyhood club and Jurgen Klopp unlikely to bring him back in a playing capacity in the winter window.