VANCOUVER, BC – Midfielder Andrew Jacobson formally announced his retirement from professional soccer on Wednesday, concluding a 10-year professional playing career that saw him play in Canada, France, Norway, and the United States.
“Deciding to call time on a 10-year career which has taken me to four countries and introduced me to countless people from all backgrounds and origins, while giving me the opportunity to play the game I love, was a hard decision to make,” Jacobson said in an open letter to fans. “My gratitude goes out to the supporters around the world of the teams I have both played for and those I have not. Professional soccer would not exist without you spending your time and hard-earned money to watch us play. For that, I thank you for making my dream a reality. I also want to thank every player, coach and staff member who I have had the honor to work with over the years. Since my family and I made this decision, I have felt a rush of excitement. The strange part is, the feeling has nothing to do with the game of soccer. I am genuinely excited for the next chapter in my life.”
ANDREW JACOBSON CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
- Began his professional career with French Ligue 1 side FC Lorient
- 220 MLS appearances with 10 goals scored and 11 assists
- MLS career included time at D.C. United, Philadelphia Union, FC Dallas, New York City FC, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC
- Played the 2014 season on loan at Norwegian Eliteserien club Stabæk Fotball
"Congratulations to A.J. from everyone at the club for a fantastic career," said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson. "I always admired the way he played when he was an opposing player, and I had the pleasure of coaching him these past two seasons in Vancouver. He was a consummate professional, he came in focused every day, and he did whatever was needed to help the team. We wish A.J. and his family nothing but the best as he begins the next chapter of his life."
A product of Palo Alto, California, Jacobson ends his playing career with 266 professional appearances across time in France, the United States, Norway, and Canada. He began his career with French Ligue I side FC Lorient in 2008, and spent one other season abroad with Norwegian Tippeligaen (now Eliteserien) club Stabæk Fotball in 2014, on loan from New York City FC.
Jacobson played for five clubs in his nine MLS seasons, including D.C. United, Philadelphia Union, FC Dallas, NYCFC, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC. After joining the ‘Caps in 2016, Jacobson started 43 of his 56 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring four goals and recording two assists. Overall in his MLS career, the now 32-year-old played in 222 MLS matches, including playoffs, scoring 10 goals and recording 11 assists.
Born in Fort Myers, Florida, Jacobson later moved to California and attended Henry M. Gunn High School, where he was named 2003 Central Coast Section Player of the Year. In his collegiate career, he played at the University of California, Berkeley from 2003 to 2006, becoming a NSCAA First Team All-American, a three-time All Pac-10 honouree, and the 2007 Pac-10 Player of the Year as a senior.
Internationally, Jacobson played with the United States national futsal team and appeared in all four matches for his country at the 2008 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Brazil.
