Crew D Hendrickson announces retirement

Jan 8, 2009 - 11:32 PM COLUMBUS, Ohio (Ticker) -- Columbus Crew defender Ezra Hendrickson announced his retirement Thursday.

Hendrickson, who turns 37 next week, spent 12 seasons in the MLS, including the last three with the Crew. This past season, he helped lead the Crew to their first MLS title while winning his third overall.

"I've played for some of the top organizations and enjoyed the support of all the fans," Hendrickson said. "I intend to stay in the soccer world and continue to help the sport grow in the United States. But at this point, I'm happy to finish my playing career as a champion with the Columbus Crew."

"On behalf of our entire organization, I would like to thank Ezra for his many contributions to the Columbus Crew and congratulate him on a remarkable career," Crew president and general manager Mark McCullers. "We valued the versatility, work ethic and veteran leadership he brought to our team and there is no question that they contributed to our success. We wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors."

In his MLS career, Hendrickson registered 23 goals and 30 assists in 266 games. He played with New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, D.C. United and Chivas USA in the MLS.