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Official: Jay Heaps Announces Retirement
The Revolution defender is hanging up his boots.
Dec 2, 2009 2:20:29 PM
New England Revolution defender Jay Heaps, the 1999 Major League Soccer Rookie of the Year and three time MLS Cup finalists, has called it quits after eleven season in the league.Heaps retires as one of the most consistent defenders in MLS history having ended his career eighth all time in games played, fourth in starts, and third in minutes played.
Heaps, a former basketball and soccer player at Duke University, moved to the Revolution in 2001 after beginning his career with the Miami Fusion. As a member of the Revolution the defender helped lead one of the most successful teams in league history, making three straight trips to the final.
“I can’t imagine writing out a team sheet next year without Jay’s name on it,” Revolution head coach Steve Nicol said in a press release. “As a coach, you can’t ask for a better all-around person than Jay. He leaves everything he has on the field every game and every training session, and then goes back in the locker room and is a stand-out leader. You want younger players to see the example Jay has set and follow it. He’s had an outstanding career for us, and we’ll miss his presence around the team.”
In 2009 Heaps helped lead an injury riddled team to the playoffs before being bounced by the Chicago Fire in the first round for the second consecutive season. As the stalwart in a young back line, Heaps was the organizer and a constant threat storming forward down the left flank.
A fiery competitor, Heaps was not only an attacking threat throughout his career but proved to be a sturdy defensive option that Nicol could count on to play any of the four spots across the back line.
“Jay Heaps has been the heart and soul of the Revolution during his time with us,” Revolution Investor/Operator Robert K. Kraft said. “Not only has he been an outstanding and consistent performer on the field, he’s been a true champion off the field in the community, as well. We will miss him running out on the field each weekend, but wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
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Heaps, a former basketball and soccer player at Duke University, moved to the Revolution in 2001 after beginning his career with the Miami Fusion. As a member of the Revolution the defender helped lead one of the most successful teams in league history, making three straight trips to the final.
“I can’t imagine writing out a team sheet next year without Jay’s name on it,” Revolution head coach Steve Nicol said in a press release. “As a coach, you can’t ask for a better all-around person than Jay. He leaves everything he has on the field every game and every training session, and then goes back in the locker room and is a stand-out leader. You want younger players to see the example Jay has set and follow it. He’s had an outstanding career for us, and we’ll miss his presence around the team.”
In 2009 Heaps helped lead an injury riddled team to the playoffs before being bounced by the Chicago Fire in the first round for the second consecutive season. As the stalwart in a young back line, Heaps was the organizer and a constant threat storming forward down the left flank.
A fiery competitor, Heaps was not only an attacking threat throughout his career but proved to be a sturdy defensive option that Nicol could count on to play any of the four spots across the back line.
“Jay Heaps has been the heart and soul of the Revolution during his time with us,” Revolution Investor/Operator Robert K. Kraft said. “Not only has he been an outstanding and consistent performer on the field, he’s been a true champion off the field in the community, as well. We will miss him running out on the field each weekend, but wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
Goal.com
Get all the latest MLS news with Goal.com's dedicated page.
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