CARSON, Calif. (Wednesday, March 10, 2010) - Midfielder Sasha Victorine, a Southern California native and UCLA graduate, has retired from professional soccer after ten seasons in MLS. Victorine joined Chivas USA at the trade deadline in 2008, and made 15 appearances for the club in 2008 and 2009, scoring two goals and adding two assists. In ten MLS seasons with the LA Galaxy, Kansas City Wizards, and Chivas USA, Victorine played 242 matches (213 starts), with 32 goals and 41 assists, and retires due to recurring injury problems."I'd like to thank all of my teammates that I've played with over the years, and all of the fans who have given me their support," said Victorine. "Growing up in Orange County, I feel lucky that I was able to play in front of my home fans for so much of my career. I am now eager to start the next phase of my career."
A native of Corona, Calif., Victorine spent four years at UCLA, where the midfielder won an NCAA title in 1997 and earned First Team All-American honors in 1999, and was then drafted by the LA Galaxy. With the Galaxy, Victorine was a part of several championship-winning sides, and during this time, he played in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney and also made four appearances with the U.S. National Team. Victorine was traded to Kansas City in 2005, playing the bulk of the next four seasons with the team before joining Chivas USA on Sept. 15, 2008. Retiring due to persistent injuries, Victorine has accepted a front office position with the Kansas City Wizards, and will also serve as the color commentator on the Wizards' television broadcasts.
"Sasha accomplished a great deal during his playing career, and has meant a lot to fans around Southern California," said Chivas USA Vice President of Soccer Operations Stephen Hamilton. "We'd like to thank him for his contributions to our club and wish him all the best in Kansas City."
The regular season for Chivas USA kicks off against the Colorado Rapids on Friday, March 26 at 7:30 p.m. PT at The Home Depot Center. Season seats are on sale starting at just $10 per game; for more information, or to purchase tickets, visit cdchivasusa.com or call 1-877-CHIVAS-1.
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Major League Soccer Stories from March 10, 2010
• Sasha Victorine, SoCal Native And UCLA Grad, Ends Playing Career After 10 MLS Seasons - Club Deportivo Chivas USA• Earthquakes Development Schools Return To Northern California In 2010 - San Jose Earthquakes
• Chivas USA Earns 5-0 Win Over UCLA In Preseason Scrimmage - Club Deportivo Chivas USA
• Earthquakes Defeat Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Wednesday - San Jose Earthquakes
• Crew Comes Back To Tie Toluca 2-2 Tuesday In Champions League Quarters - Columbus Crew
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