Major League Soccer said goodbye to a true legend of the league on Sunday evening when Atlanta United was knocked out of the MLS Cup Playoffs by Orlando City.
After the board went up showing Atlanta’s number 13 was being subbed off, we saw Dax McCarty leave the pitch for the final time.
True MLS lifers are few and far between given the developmental nature of the league, but McCarty’s 19 years in the league will forever keep him in the upper echelon of historic MLS players.
McCarty was a two-time all-star, and registered 25 goals and 79 assists in over 550 appearances, but his work ethic and relentless presence in the center of the park was the defining characteristic of a nearly two-decade long career.
If you wanted to make the postseason, McCarty was a must in your side. The midfielder made the playoffs in 14 of his 19 seasons in the league.
Perhaps best known for his time as a New York Red Bull, McCarty took home two Supporters Shields (2013 and 2015), while also making the MLS Best XI for the latter of those two campaigns.
âIâm really grateful for these last 19 years,â McCarty said after the defeat in Orlando.
âIf you were to tell the little kid in me that I would have made it this far, I wouldnât have believed you. Itâs been a hell of a ride and Iâm just really grateful.â
The 37-year-old is reportedly yet to decide what comes next in his career, but he will likely remain involved in the footballing scene in North America.
