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Wolyniec retires, Lewis to retire after 2010 season

EddieLewis (ISIphotos.com) Wolyniec (ISIphotos.com) 
 
The list of veteran MLS players to retire this season continued to grow, with long-time New York forward John Wolyniec announcing his immediate retirement and Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Eddie Lewis announcing that he would retire at the end of the current MLS season.

Lewis will bring an end to a special career that saw him serve as a key contributor to the U.S. national team, as well as a player who enjoyed his share of success in Europe.

Wolyniec brings an end to a 12-year career, most of which was spent as a fan favorite of the New York Red Bulls (and the New York/New Jersey MetroStars). He finished second on the all-time list in games played for the Red Bulls, but it was the special moments he delivered for the club that made him a fan favorite. His two goals in the team's MLS Cup run in 2008, including his goals in the MLS Cup Final loss to Columbus.

Wolyniec will stay with the Red Bulls and work the team's academy.

What are your best memories of Wolyniec and Lewis' careers?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. Woly’s goal is probably the best in MLS history.

    For Lewis, I’d also vote for the cross to Landon. It was just damned perfect. I miss wing play like that for the nats.

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  2. I don’t have a specific moment for John Wolyneic that I most remember. For me, it was his body of work. He could start, he could epitomize the super sub. He always seemed to give 110% and whenever RB or Metro needed a goal, he scored it.

    He is the Staten Island Ronaldo! 🙂

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  3. I was going to write the same thing. Very cerebral guy, seems like student of the game, great experience to pass to the next generation. Hope he stays in the game.

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  4. I have to chime in with my own nod to Woly’s golazo. It was simply stunning, both in the timing and in the execution. Those who have never seen it should try to find it on YouTube. Still one of the best goals I have ever seen – left-footed full volley of a pass from midfield, into the opposite upper corner.

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  5. Woly’s one time volley golazo was off a 60 yard pass from Guevara vs Columbus in injury or extra time!

    Sorry to hear he retired but it makes sense for him to start coaching at Red Bull Academy! Vaya con dios John!

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  6. It was the long pass from Guevarra that Woly one time volleyed from the edge of the box to the far corner. The play happened near the end of the game for a nice dramatic finish.

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  7. I can see Eddie making a move into the coaching realm. He’s a smart guy and made a huge difference in the LA turnaround last year with his veteran presence.

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  8. Woly with his goals in the MLS final? If I remember, the Crew won 3-1. Not to diminish Woly, I thought he was a solid player, and enjoyed watching him while he was with the Crew.

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  9. Why did a few writers seem to think other MLS teams were ‘definitely interested’ and now here he is retiring a few weeks later. Wha happen?

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  10. Didn’t finish my post: with Lewis added to the growing list (McBride, Mathis, etc.), this really marks the passing of a generation of solid players who were among the first to forge solid careers in Europe, and the generation that was in their prime in ’02 (waaaaay back when Donovan and Beasley were the young’uns). Correct me if I’m wrong, but aside from Josh Wolff and Greg Berhalter, are there any outfield players left from that ’02 team?

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  11. Loved Woly as a player–he always worked hard on the pitch. Happy trails to both Woly and Lewis (who was once called “the American David Beckham.” I think they meant it as a compliment 🙂

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  12. I used to watch Woly play for the Milwaukee Rampage and became a fan. He was a bit of a poor man’s McBride in that he played with heart and left it all on the field.

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  13. Wasn’t it Woly who hit that one time volley to the upper 90 off a 40 yard pass? Can anyone confirm? That was a beautiful goal.

    Eddie Lewis’ career moment? Gotta be the laser to the bottom corner against Mexico.

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