Former USMNT superstar Oguchi Onyewu announced his retirement after a 15-year career today. The 6 foot 3 center back was a fan-favorite for American fans who would shower him in a chorus of “gooch” chants for most of his career. He is perhaps best known for his ferocity on the pitch that is in part responsible for one of the coolest images in USMNT history.
The former Clemson Tiger said, “All good things must come to an end…Thank you.” on Twitter this morning. He then added, “From a lanky kid growing up in Olney, MD, to playing for some of the greatest clubs in the world… this sport gave me so much!”
All good things must come to an end…Thank you ⚽️👋🏽 #GameOver @ussoccer ussoccer #Blessed #Honored #Proud #TheEnd @ Washington, DC https://t.co/ua3wZEHWk0
— Oguchi Onyewu (@OguchiOnyewu5) September 17, 2018
From a lanky kid growing up in Olney MD, to playing for some of the greatest clubs in the world… this sport gave me so much! ⚽️👋🏽 #Blessed #BeginningAndEnding @ Washington, DC https://t.co/pW2L6pbC1d
— Oguchi Onyewu (@OguchiOnyewu5) September 17, 2018
Onyewu began his professional career back in 2002 playing for French club FC Metz. After taking a one-year loan assignment to R.A.A. Louviérol he finally settled in at Belgian club Standard Liège. The American made his name with the Reds, playing for them from 2004 to 2009 with only a brief loan spell at Newcastle in 2007. He was also part of two league title winning sides.
Unfortunately in 2009, after signing a contract with A.C. Milan, Onyewu ruptured his Achilles Tendon. He missed the entire 2009-10 season. He would never find consistent success on the club level after that and he bounced around the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and England, before making his final appearances for the Philadelphia Union in 2017.
It was a different story on the international stage, however. Onyewu made 69 appearances for the Stars and Stripes and even scored six goals. He suited up in two World Cups in 2006 & 2010 and helped lead his country to two consecutive CONCACAF Gold Cups in 2005 and 2007. He was also the U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year in 2006.
But above all else, he will be remembered by fans and players alike as an excellent teammate and beloved legend for the red, white, and blue. Thank you for everything, Gooch, and best of luck with whatever you do next!
My man @OguchiOnyewu5 is retiring. It was a pleasure watching and then getting to play alongside you, brother. What a career. ¡Felicidades! 🎈🎊🍾🎉
cc @borgetti58 – #USMNT pic.twitter.com/yy8ioH5e0E
— herculez gomez (@herculezg) September 18, 2018
Congratulations on a fantastic career my friend! It was a honor to be your teammate and a pain in the ass to practice against you. 😁I wish you all the best in your next chapter!
— Brian McBride (@BMcBride20) September 17, 2018
Another great one hangs up his cleats.
Thank you, @OguchiOnyewu5 for repping your country and helping bring us so many fond memories over the years.
We love ya. pic.twitter.com/txQEmbgSvt
— The American Outlaws (@AmericanOutlaws) September 17, 2018
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Photo Credits: Twitter.com
Gif Credit: Giphy.com
