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WASHINGTON — Steve Birnbaum embarked to the East Coast a decade ago to begin his professional career and after a lengthy and successful run as DC United’s leader, the veteran defender has decided to call it a day.
Birnbaum took the field on Saturday night at Audi Field for the final appearance of his 10-year career. The 33-year-old started Saturday’s 4-0 friendly loss to Scottish Premiership winners Celtic before being replaced after the opening kick of the match.
After being reduced to only six appearances this season through multiple injuries, Birnbaum admitted that the end was approaching and that time officially came Saturday night in front of the DC United faithful.
“It’s definitely been an emotional time,” Birnbaum told reporters postmatch. “Credit to DC and everything they did for me, I did not expect all of this. It is definitely overwhelming but it gives me some good closure.
“I’ll be having a hip replacement in three weeks and although it might be scary, it’s an exciting time to get my body right. I am looking forward to being with my family and just be a healthier person too. I have been extremely lucky to be part of DC United for the last 11 seasons and just proud.”
Birnbaum was practically an unknown to DC United fans in 2014 when the club drafted him No. 2 overall in the MLS Draft. The Newport, California native played five seasons at the University of California, earning two All-Pac 12 honors before quickly making a name for himself in MLS.
He was a finalist for the MLS Rookie of the Year award in 2014, taking over for the injured Jeff Parke and never looking back. Birnbaum’s early DC United impressions eventually earned him 11 caps with the U.S. men’s national team from 2015-17, including one game-winning goal against Iceland in 2016.
“One of the key moments of my career was that 2014 season, “Birnbaum said. “I learned so much from the veteran group we had; Bobby Boswell, Chris…
Source link : https://sbisoccer.com/2024/07/steve-birnbaum-enjoys-special-sendoff-to-close-memorable-dc-united-career
Author : Larry Henry Jr
Publish date : 2024-07-21 12:47:47
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