Bradley Wright-Phillips excelled during his time in Major League Soccer, but won’t be returning for a 10th season and is hanging up his playing boots.
Wright-Phillips announced his retirement on Tuesday, ending a nine-year stay in the North American league. The longtime New York Red Bulls great ends his career with 117 goals and 34 assists in 234 appearances during his time with the Red Bulls, LAFC, and the Columbus Crew.
“I’m done. Thank you to all of the clubs that gave me the opportunity to represent the badge,” Wright-Phillips wrote on Instagram. “Thank you to all my teammates, coaches, fan bases for your support (ups and downs) but most of all thank you to my friends and family, especially my wife Leanne.”
Wright-Phillips became one of the top scorers in MLS during his time with the Red Bulls from 2013-19. The English forward won the Golden Boot in 2014 and 2016 and also helped the Red Bulls lift the Supporters’ Shield in 2013, 2015, and 2018.
The former Manchester City academy product finishes his career as the all-time leading scorer for the Red Bulls. He’s also second in all-time appearances at the club, only trailing goalkeeper Luis Robles.
Wright-Phillips also played for five English clubs, with the majority of his overseas appearances coming with Southampton from 2006-09. He also played for Man City, Brentford, Charlton Athletic, and Plymouth Argyle.
Here is a closer look at all of the recent MLS News:
Charlotte FC adds midfielder Derrick Jones in trade
Charlotte FC added midfield help to its roster on Wednesday with Derrick Jones joining the Eastern Conference club in a trade with the Houston Dynamo.
The 2022 expansion side will also receive $50,000 in GAM in 2023. In exchange, the Dynamo received $250,000 in GAM in 2022 and will also receive 20% of any future transfer fee if Jones is transferred outside of MLS.
Jones, 25, played in 20 matches for the Dynamo in 2021 after being acquired in a trade with Nashville SC. He has totaled 71 appearances in MLS between stops at the Philadelphia Union, Nashville SC, and the Dynamo.
Jones is a former U.S. youth national team player with the Under-20’s and Under-23’s.
Charlotte FC has lost its first two MLS matches and will travel to face Atlanta United on Sunday.
Former Union winger Ilsinho announces retirement
Ilsinho became a fan favorite during his time with the Philadelphia Union and will now embark into the next chapter of his life.
The Brazilian winger announced his retirement on Wednesday, ending a 17-year career at the professional level. Ilsinho joined the Union ahead of the 2016 MLS season and finished with 22 goals and 20 assists during his six seasons in MLS.
Ilsinho came up through the Palmeiras academy, but only made five appearances for the Serie A side in 2006. He moved to Sao Paulo and spent two spells at the club from 2006-07 and 2010-11. Ilsinho also played for Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk and Brazilian side Internacional.
He is just one of two Union players to have scored 20+ goals and 20+ assists in club history.
Quick Kicks:
- FC Cincinnati has loaned midfielder Ben Mines to USL side Colorado Switchbacks FC for the 2022 USL Championship season. Mines scored three goals in 13 appearances in 2021 for Orange County SC while on loan there.
- The Houston Dynamo loaned forward Nico Lemoine to USL side Oakland Roots SC for the entire 2022 year. Lemoine has made 12 combined appearances for the Dynamo since debuting for the first team in 2020.