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A18
Wednesday 8 november 2017

CAPITAL C

In this Oct. 26, 2016, file photo,
Los Angeles Galaxy forward
Robbie Rogers kicks the ball
against a Real Salt defender
during the second half of a
knockout round MLS playoff
soccer match in Carson, Calif.
Associated Press
Gay soccer

star Robbie

Rogers retires

from LA Galaxy

By GREG BEACHAM
AP Sports Writer
CARSON, Calif. (AP) —
Robbie Rogers, the LA
Galaxy defender who be-
came the first openly gay
male athlete in a major
North American profes-
sional sport, is retiring from
soccer.
The 30-year-old Rogers an-
nounced his retirement
Tuesday through the Gal-
axy, saying he made the
decision “with mixed emo-
tions.” He missed the entire
2017 season due to injury.
“I will remain deeply con-
nected to this sport and its
surrounding community,”
Rogers added. “I leave the
game full of pride of what
I have accomplished as a
person and a player.”
Rogers is a 10-year MLS vet-
eran and two-time All-Star
who won league champi- Capitals end home power-play
onships in 2008 and 2014.
But he struggled with inju- drought, beat Coyotes 3-2 in OT
ries throughout his profes-
sional career, and he was
ruled out for the current
season in May because of Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson (74) celebrates his game-
nerve damage in his left winning goal during overtime of an NHL hockey game against the Arizona
ankle, requiring surgery. Coyotes, Monday, Nov. 6, 2017, in Washington. The Capitals won 3-2 in
Rogers came out while an- overtime.
nouncing his retirement in Associated Press
2013 after being released Page 20
by the English club Leeds.q