Sports stats



MLS Columbus Crew SC

Crew Goaltender Tom Presthus Retires

January 14, 2004 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Columbus Crew SC News Release


COLUMBUS, Ohio (Wednesday, January 14) - Columbus Crew President and General Manager Jim Smith and head coach Greg Andrulis announced today that goalkeeper Tom Presthus has retired from professional soccer.

"Although it was a difficult decision, I feel it is time to retire from professional soccer," said Presthus. "I will miss the competition and camaraderie of being a professional soccer player, however, the injury to my elbow and ensuing surgery has made a full physical recovery doubtful. Rather than chase my soccer career I feel it's important to pursue the next stage of my life. I've chosen to take advantage of an opportunity to be a financial planner with The Financial Solutions Network here in Columbus."

Presthus suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow on July 23 in a home game vs. New England and had "Tommy John" surgery to reconstruct the ligament on Sept. 30. He is currently still rehabbing the elbow.

"We wish Tom success in all of his future endeavors," said Andrulis. "He was a great player and more importantly a great person. He always conducted himself in a first-class and professional manner. We are certainly going to miss him."

The Edina, Minnesota, native appeared in 106 regular season matches, starting 104 times, in his seven MLS seasons (1997-2003). He played three seasons with The Crew, following four with D.C. United, and ended his career with a 44-44-13 record.

The former SMU star established a Crew record for consecutive shutout minutes, with 309, from Aug. 11-25, 2001, and is second all-time on The Crew's games played (47), games started (46) and minutes played (4,287) lists for goalkeepers. Not only did he excel in the regular season but he made his living in the postseason, with a 10-5 record and seven shutouts, punctuated by a pair of MLS Cup titles (1997 and 1999) with D.C.

"Tom was a valuable asset to this organization," said Smith. "He was a true professional both on and off the field. It will be nice having him in Columbus and we look forward to having him involved with the organization and still being a part of The Crew family."

Tom and his wife, Melissa, celebrated the birth of their first child, T.J. on Feb. 13, 2003.

"I am extremely grateful and proud of the seven seasons I've played in Major League Soccer. I take with me some amazing achievements, memories and friendships," said Presthus. "I will cherish the two MLS Cup Championships, CONCACAF and Inter-America Cup Championships, and Open Cup Championship I was a part of with D.C. United and the Columbus Crew. I am grateful to have been voted an All-Star starter by the fans and for the opportunity to play for the U.S. National Team. I am thankful for the wonderful support I have received from the fans and I'll miss the excitement of playing at Crew Stadium. My wife Melissa and I have made our home in Columbus and look forward to raising our son, T.J. here, and supporting our friends on the Crew."

Check out the Columbus Crew SC Statistics

• Discuss this story on the Major League Soccer message board...

Major League Soccer Stories from January 14, 2004


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central