DC United midfielder Ben Olsen announced his retirement on Tuesday at a press conference at RFK Stadium. Olsen spent his entire MLS career with DC, joining the club from the University of Virginia in 1998 and being named Rookie of the Year. He spent the 2000-01 season on loan to England's Nottingham Forest, where an ankle injury ended a promising run with the club. Olsen would miss the 2001 MLS season while recovering from that injury. In 2007, he was honored as a member of the MLS Best XI. Injury trouble limited him to one game in 2008, but he returned in 2009 to play in 20 league games for United.
Olsen had 37 caps with the United States National Team, part of the 2005 Gold Cup squad and the 2006 World Cup roster. He had one appearance at World Cup level, coming on as a substitute in the final group stage game.
“Ben Olsen has been called the heart and soul of DC United and, over the years, that is exactly what we’ve come to expect from him,” United President and CEO Kevin Payne said. “Since he joined our team as the League’s first Project-40 player until his last game in the 2009 season, Ben gave all that he had for his team and his teammates. You can’t replace a player like Ben, you simply hope that other players can step up and shoulder the mantle that he carried for so long. He’s simply one of the greatest players in DC United history.”
Former DC United Coaches Comment On Olsen:
Bruce Arena
“Ben Olsen has been the heart and soul of D.C. United. I have had the privilege to work with Ben at the University of Virginia, D.C. United and the U.S. National Team. He is a very special player, person, friend and family man. I know that I speak for everyone involved in the game in the United States in saying ‘we will miss you and we wish you the very best in all your future endeavors’.”
Thomas Rongen
“Ben Olsen’s reputation in the soccer community is above reproach. He is a world-class talent, has a high work rate and exudes contagious enthusiasm. The ability to motivate, accept responsibility and show compassion for others make him a true leader. He is actively involved in community efforts to help Washington, DC benefit through soccer. As such, he is a strong ambassador to all concerned and affected by soccer in this community.”
Ray Hudson
“Ben Olsen defined the spirit of D.C. United. Defined it. He was the personification of an attitude that says, ‘It's never over.’ As a footballer, he inspired with his commitment and drive, energizing the locker room before, during and after. His hurtful running was always accented by thoughtful passing. As a person he exudes quality, heart and trust - attributes that made him a coach’s ideal. Overcoming setbacks only made him stronger and more admired and Benny set the standard for his teammates to match; in overall desire - very, very few, ever did.”
Peter Nowak
“Ben Olsen has done so much to advance the game of soccer in America. As a player, his tireless work ethic helped D.C. United achieve greatness on the pitch while helping to grow MLS from its infancy. While he’s retiring from competition, I know Ben will continue to play a major role in the development of American soccer. I wish Benny all the best in any role in the soccer industry that he chooses.”
Tom Soehn
“Benny's services to the organization are far more than his throwing on a jersey. He's the type of person an organization builds around, on and off of the field. His commitment to making a club successful is as great as anyone else I've coached. As a person, I want to thank Ben for everything he's done and I know he'll find success in the next chapter of life through the same hard work and dedication he displayed as a player.”
