<
>

Sporting Kansas City's Brad Davis to retire from MLS after 15-year career

Sporting Kansas City midfielder Brad Davis will retire at season's end, the 15-year MLS veteran announced on Sunday.

Davis, 34, won two MLS Cups, a Supporters' Shield and was named an All-Star six times over his distinguished career with the New York MetroStars, FC Dallas, San Jose Earthquakes, Houston Dynamo and SKC.

The 17-time United States international has played 392 games thus far, and is fourth on MLS' all-time regular season assist list with 123.

"I can't believe that the last 15 years have gone by so fast and that this journey has come to an end," Davis said in a statement released by the club. "Along the way, I have met a lot of great people and have had the privilege to play alongside many great players.

"There are so many individuals that I look forward to thanking who have made me the person and the player I have become."

Sporting KC manager Peter Vermes hailed Davis' professionalism throughout his time in the league.

"Brad has been a tremendous professional throughout his career and during his time with us," Vermes said. "This was a very difficult decision for him, but I have the ultimate respect for Brad because he wanted to leave the game being remembered for playing at a very high level.

"My only disappointment is that Sporting KC didn't get him earlier in his career, because he would have been a great asset for this club -- just as he was this year. It's sad to see him go, but at the same time I'm very happy for everything he has accomplished."

Earthquakes boss Dominic Kinnear, who coached Davis during his stops at San Jose and Houston from 2005-14, wished his former player luck and hailed his abilities on and off the field.

"Brad was one of the most naturally gifted soccer players I have ever been around," Kinnear added. "He has had a great career and I wish him the best of luck. It was a pleasure to coach him for as many years as I did, and I felt lucky to have him on the field helping our team."

Sporting KC will learn their playoff fate in Sunday's regular season finale against San Jose. They currently occupy the last playoff spot in the Western Conference via superior goal difference over Portland Timbers.