Los Angeles Galaxy midfielders Eddie Lewis and Chris Klein today both announced their intention to retire at the end of the season. Eddie Lewis is an international, having played in two world cups, and an original to the MLS, having signed with San Jose back in 1996. This is his third season with the Galaxy, signing in August of 2008. After leaving San Jose, Lewis played with four different clubs in England before returning to play with the Galaxy.
"Eddie Lewis is arguably the finest left-sided midfielder in the history of U.S. Soccer," Galaxy general manager and head coach Bruce Arena said. "His play in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, MLS and English football secures his place in the Hall of Fame. We will miss having him here with us every day and we thank him for his outstanding contributions to our organization and the game and we wish him the best in all of his future endeavors."
Chris Klein has been with the Galaxy since June 2007 and ranks fifth in MLS history with 332 regular season games played. He has scored 49 goals and added 69 assists with three different clubs.
"The decision to step away from the game after 13 years is a difficult one, but one that I am ready for," Klein said. "I have had an amazing journey in MLS. I’ve had the ability to play with hundreds of teammates and for some of the best coaches that this league has ever produced, and I was able to forge relationships with them that extend beyond the soccer field. I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to play in front of some incredible fans in
Kansas City ,and now here with the Galaxy; and those are the people that I will really miss." Salt Lake
Klein's glory years were with the Kansas City Wizards, where he was a four time All-Star, and also helped them win the MLS Cup in 2000 and the US Open Cup in 2004. He was traded to Real Salt Lake in 2006, and then to the LA Galaxy a year and a half later, where he's resided ever since.
Both players will finish out both the regular season and continue on with the Galaxy through the post-season.
Here's a little clip from when Chris Klein was able to top Sportscenter's top plays with a brilliant bicycle kick: