Union D Ray Gaddis announces retirement

Philadelphia Union defender Ray Gaddis announced his retirement from Major League Soccer on Thursday.

Gaddis, 31, is the franchise's all-time leader in games played (221) and minutes played (18,702). He recorded 10 assists across nine seasons since being selected by the Union with the 35th overall pick in the 2012 SuperDraft.

"I will miss this organization and my team very much, but I am able to retire knowing I left everything on the pitch and proud of what we have accomplished together," Gaddis said. "I very much look forward to what the future holds, and, in my heart, I will be forever Philly."

Gaddis notched an assist in 15 games played with the Union last season. He previously played in all 34 matches in 2014 and 2019.

"A huge heart, incredible passion, & unwavering loyalty from Club to Community, we're proud Ray wore our badge for his entire career. Good luck, Ray, & thank you," the Union wrote on Twitter.

"I've had the pleasure of coaching Ray since he was drafted in 2012," Union coach Jim Curtin said. "Ray is an incredibly special player and has been an important part of our locker room. He exemplifies what a role model should be on and off the field. He has been with this team through every up and down, his belief in this team and organization never wavering. He gave everything he had every time he stepped on the field and his passion and dedication will be missed.

"It has been an honor to have been able to coach him his entire professional career and know he will be successful in his future endeavors."

--Field Level Media