July 20, 2010 – Steve Ralston announces retirement

At the time, Ralston, 36, was the MLS all-time leader in appearances (412 playoff and regular season games). Ralston played five seasons with the Tampa Bay Mutiny, then joined the Revolution as coach Fernando Clavijo selected him in a 2001 dispersal draft.

Ralston, who began his career as a central midfielder, set the standard for right wing play in MLS and held the league record for career assists. Late in his career, Ralston returned to a playmaking midfield position as the Revolution lost several players following contract problems and injuries. In 2009, Ralston sustained a knee injury, then left the Revolution following a contract dispute, playing briefly for St. Louis AC. Ralston returned to the Revolution but dislocated his elbow two minutes into a substitute appearance against Cruzeiro (3-0 loss) on June 13, 2010.

“What amazing moments I’ve had being a part of this,” Ralston said. “I wish I could do it forever. But Father Time’s been telling my body over the last couple of years, trying to give me hints. Obviously, I’ve kind of realized that it’s not as easy as it used to be.”

Ralston became a Houston Dynamo assistant coach, replacing John Spencer (who was hired as Portland Timbers coach), then followed Dominic Kinnear to the San Jose Earthquakes. Ralston groomed Sainey Nyassi as his replacement, Nyassi going on to perform in 107 matches for the Revolution through 2012. Chris Aduama photo

TODAY IN NEW ENGLAND SOCCER HISTORY