Bocanegra to retire at end of season

Sep 5, 2014 - 3:53 PM Carson, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - Former United States national team captain Carlos Bocanegra will retire at the end of Chivas USA's season, bringing an end to a 15-year career.

The 35-year-old has started 18 games in league play for Chivas this season, and he will hang up his boots on Oct. 26 in the final match of the season for the last-place Goats, who close the campaign at home against San Jose.

"I'm still hungry for the game, and I want to play, but unfortunately you can't play forever," Bocanegra said. "I was thinking about this in the offseason, and it took me about six months to come to a final decision. The timing is right for me. I've known for a little while now in my mind and in my heart. I'm happy with it, and I'm looking forward to the new challenges."

Bocanegra represented the United States at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups and he amassed 110 caps while scoring 14 goals during his international career.

After starting his professional career in MLS with the Chicago Fire in 2000, Bocanegra made a number of stops in Europe, including stays in England with Fulham, Rennes and St Etienne in France, Scottish side Rangers and finally Spanish outfit Racing before returning to MLS with Chivas in 2013.