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Reis retires after 16 years in MLS

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Photo by Jose L. Argueta/ISIphotos.com

By FRANCO PANIZO

After 16 seasons in Major League Soccer, New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Reis is calling it a career.

Reis, 38, announced his retirement on Tuesday morning, ending an impressive career that saw him win the MLS Cup in 2002 and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2001 and 2007. A press conference at Gillette Stadium is scheduled for late Tuesday morning for Reis.

“I have been truly blessed for the past 16 years,” Reis said. “I’ve been able to do something that I love – play soccer for a living. There have been many coaches who have influenced my development and helped get me to this point, and I have played with some fantastic players, many of whom are friends for life.

“I have played for two amazing organizations over the years. Both of those owners, the Kraft family and Mr. Anschutz, are deeply committed to ensuring soccer thrives in the United States. Because of their guidance, MLS has come a long way in the last two decades, and I am very proud to have played my whole career in this league and with these teams. I also want to make sure the fans know how much I’ll miss them, too. They’ve made this amazing ride more fun to be on through the years.”

Reis started his career with the Los Angeles Galaxy in in 1998 before being traded to the Revolution following the conclusion of the 2002 season. From 2003-2013, Reis was the goalkeeper who mostly manned the pipes for New England and he ended up as the owner of all of the club’s goalkeeping records, including games played in goal (254), goals against average (1.31), wins (93), saves (989) and shutouts (66).

The veteran goalkeeper also made two appearances for the U.S. Men’s National Team in his career and was on the side that won the 2005 Gold Cup.

After recovering from an injury, Reis helped the Revolution reach the MLS playoffs this year before suffering a torn left quadriceps in the final match of season, a 3-1 defeat to Sporting Kansas City in the second leg of their Eastern Conference Semifinals series.

Reis made 12 regular season starts in 2013, recorded 29 saves and posted five shutouts.

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What do you think of Reis retiring? What is your favorite performance/memory from his 16-year career?

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