MLS Columbus Crew SC

Lapper Announces Retirement, Joins Crew Front Office

Published on July 11, 2002 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Columbus Crew SC News Release


COLUMBUS, Ohio - Crew defender Mike Lapper has announced his retirement from professional soccer and accepted a position in The Crew's front office, club President/General Manager Jim Smith announced today.

Injuries have limited Lapper's playing time to four games played (one start) and 141 minutes this season. He missed the first four games of the regular season with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee, suffered in spring training. After returning, he sprained his left knee on June 2 at Chicago and has been sidelined since then.

The newly-created post is titled Director of Soccer Business Development. It will focus primarily on the development, growth, marketing and implementation of The Crew's year-round camp, clinic and academy programs, and act as the organization's primary liaison with its Premier Soccer Academies.

Lapper, 31, a member of The Crew since June of 1997 when he was allocated to Columbus after three seasons in Europe, finishes his career having played in 110 games - currently eighth on the club's all-time list - and totaled 20 points, on five goals and 10 assists. "Mike Lapper has been a consummate professional and one of the most respected defenders in MLS history," Smith said. "He brought international experience and a calm toughness to our back line. We will miss that presence on the field, but look forward now to his contributions in our front office."

Lapper was The Crew's Kroger Coaches Award winner in 1997 and he was a stalwart over his first six MLS campaigns. After joining The Crew in June 1997, he started all 20 remaining matches and, after his 1998 campaign was shortened to seven games by a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, he averaged 26 games played per season over the next three seasons.

Prior to joining The Crew, Lapper earned 44 caps with the U.S. National Team and represented his country at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona and the 1994 World Cup, then played one season in Germany (VfL Wolfsburg 1994-95) and two in England (Southend, 1995-97). Lapper's professional career followed a four-year collegiate career at UCLA, where he helped the Bruins win the 1990 NCAA championship and was a first-team All-America selection in 1991.

"I would like to thank The Crew organization and fans for the five years of loyalty they have shown me," Lapper said. "While it is disappointing that my playing days are over, other windows are opening up and I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. I am happy to be staying in the Crew Family and to be working for a first-class organization. I would like to stay involved in sports and the experience I gain here will be very valuable."

Lapper and his wife, Tara, reside in Columbus and he is currently taking two classes at The Ohio State University towards a degree in sociology. Upon completion, he will need just three more courses to earn his degree.

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