Ex-Rev, Brown Defender Gibbs Calls it a Career

Former Revolution defender Cory Gibbs retired from his professional playing career on Monday. (Photo: Chris Aduama/aduama.com)

Former Revolution defender Cory Gibbs, who attended Brown University prior to embarking on a career that took him to Europe and back on two different occasions, announced his retirement from professional soccer on Monday.

Gibbs, 32, went on to play for FC St. Pauli after a successful collegiate career at Brown (1998-2001). He returned to New England in 2010 when he was traded from the Rapids to the Revolution. He played the last two seasons of his 12-year playing career for the Chicago Fire.

“It was a tough decision,” said Gibbs in a statement. “After discussing it with the medical staff, my wife and family, it is the right time for me to step away from the playing field. I’ve done everything in my power to return to the game, however, my latest injury has made it too difficult to play again.”

Gibbs suffered a torn meniscus in April, and was forced to sit out the remainder of the 2012 season. It was the latest in a series of injuries that seemed to stall the center back’s promising career.

Perhaps the most notable injury set back occurred in a World Cup warmup against Morocco in May 2006. Despite earning a spot on the World Cup roster, a torn meniscus robbed him of his only opportunity to play on the world’s stage.

At the club level, Gibbs returned to the U.S. in 2004 following his two season stint with FC St. Pauli and inked a deal with the Dallas Burn (now FC Dallas). He went back to Europe the following season, and went on to play for Feyenoord, ADO Den Haag and Carlton Athletic.

In 2008, Gibbs made his second return to the States after signing with the Rapids. He spent two seasons in Colorado, who then traded him to New England in 2010. In 25 games for the Revolution, he featured primarily at center back, but also saw time at left back.

During his time in New England, Gibbs returned to his alma mater to serve as an assistant coach for the Brown men’s soccer team.

After the 2010 season, he was picked up by Chicago via the Re-entry Process, earning the club’s Defender of the Year honors in 2011.

“It was an honor to represent the United States and the Fire, along with all of the clubs I played with throughout my career,” said Gibbs.

Although he may have hung his boots, Gibbs hopes to remain active in the sport.

“I am truly excited to transition into a new venture in my career,” said Gibbs. “Coaching, working for a club and scouting are my greatest desires. I will be as committed off the pitch as when I was playing.”

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