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Two Days After MLS Cup Win, Sporting Kansas City Goalie Announces Retirement

Two days after helping his team win the MLS Cup, Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper and team captain, Jimmy Nielsen, announced he'll retire from soccer.  

After the MLS Cup was one Saturday night, goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen said the last thing anyone would want is to have come out of a final like the MLS Cup thinking they could've tried harder.

"You want to give everything you have and bring everything you  have. So no matter what the result is you can look yourself in the mirror after the game and say, 'alright, I gave everything I have.' That's exactly what my teammates did today," said Nielsen choking back tears.

At age 36, Nielsen retires as a two-time all-star, goal keeper of the year 2012, and four seasons with Sporting Kansas City. 

"What an incredible way to end a career. Jimmy Nielsen is so important to this organization on and off the field and we look forward to the next phase of our relationship," Sporting Club CEO Robb Heineman said in a statement. "We thank him for all he has done for the organization, the city and the fans."

Nielsen is a native of Denmark and known by fans and teammates as the 'white puma.'

Sports have an economic and social impact on our community and, as a sports reporter, I go beyond the scores and statistics. I also bring the human element to the sports figures who have a hand in shaping the future of not only their respective teams but our town. Reach me at gregechlin@aol.com.
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