Brilliance interrupted

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Flocked by family, friends, and familiar faces, Taylor Twellman, the greatest soccer player to ever wear a Revolution uniform, somberly announced his retirement from professional soccer Wednesday afternoon.

The thirty-year old striker’s prolific career – one which saw him accumulate 100 goals faster than anyone in MLS history – was cut short after suffering from the symptoms of post-concussion syndrome.

New England Revolution Investor/Operator (and Patriots owner) Robert Kraft was on hand to honor Taylor Twellman on Wednesday (Photo by CHRIS ADUAMA/aduama.com)

“It’s unfortunate to end a career because of an injury,” said Twellman. “I didn’t have a choice, unfortunately. When you’re told that if you want to live your life and be healthy and soccer needs to stop (as a result), the decision is made for me.”

That decision did not come easy for Twellman. After suffering a concussion against Los Angeles Galaxy back on August 30, 2008, the face of the franchise worked hard over the next two years to come back. He tried acupuncture and sitting in darkened rooms for six months – anything it would take to alleviate the symptoms – but it was all for naught, despite his best efforts.

“The hardest part of this injury is that I can do zero about it,” said Twellman. “And that is the most humbling thing that’s ever happened to me in life.”

Twellman then reminisced about his childhood and career. He did all he could to keep it light, despite the obvious sadness that pervaded the room. He thanked his family, as well as the Robert and Jonathan Kraft.

“It wasn’t about representing a soccer organization,” said Twellman. “It was about representing a family that stood for hard work, dedication, and loyalty. It was an honor to represent (this) family.”

Twellman leaves behind a career that, quite frankly, has made him one of the greatest American soccer players of all time. In addition to his 101 career goals, the striker from St. Louis also earned 30 caps and scored six goals with the U.S. National Team.

““Taylor Twellman has been the face of the Revolution since joining us in 2002,” said Revolution Investor/Operator Robert K. Kraft. “His heart, grit and determination have been a model for other players, and he’s played a tremendous role in establishing a new standard of success and consistency for not only our team, but also around the league.”

There’s little doubt that Twellman was the standard of success in MLS. A five-time All-Star and the 2005 MLS MVP also led his clubs to the MLS Cup four times in six seasons. He was the driving force behind the club’s four Eastern Conference titles. Suffice to say, Twellman’s brilliant career, was cut short far too soon.

“I was lucky enough to witness just about all of it,” said Revolution keeper Matt Reis, who was Twellman’s teammate from 2003-2010. “Taylor went about it playing the right way, he gave it his all and you could see that out on the field.”

Despite the unfavorable cards dealt to him in the end, the striker refused to be bitter about it. Instead, he reflected on the memorable times he experienced in New England.

“I had the time my life here,” said Twellman. “I did something that I love to do, and I got paid for it. It was the greatest gift that God gave me.”

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