Maurice Edu Retires

Former United States Men’s National Team centerback/defensive midfielder Maurice Edu has formally announced his retirement. The 32-year-old began his professional career after being selected with the first overall pick in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft by Toronto FC.

Edu was named the 2007 MLS Rookie of the Year and spent a year-and-a-half with Toronto before joining Scottish Premier League side Rangers FC. He made 41 appearances, scoring 6 goals and adding an assist during his time with Toronto.

From 2008-2012, Edu made 122 appearances for Rangers, scoring 12 goals and notching 11 assists. He proved to be an integral part of the Scottish side and won three league titles with the club.

Edu joined then Premier League side Stoke City in 2012 after Rangers’ liquidation. He struggled to break into the Stoke lineup, making just one appearance for the club.

He spent the 2013 season on loan with Turkish side Bursaspor (making 13 appearances) and was then loaned to the Philadelphia Union for the 2014 MLS season. Edu joined the Union on a permanent basis in 2015 and would go on to play for the club through the 2017 season.

Edu’s professional career concluded with a 3 game stint with Union reserve side Bethlehem Steel FC during the 2017 USL (now USL Championship) season. His time with Steel FC came after missing the majority of the 2016 and 2017 seasons due to a stress fracture and then subsequent broken leg.

Edu made 61 appearances for the Union, scoring 6 goals and adding 3 assists. He captained the club during the 2015 season.

During an international career which spanned 2007-2014, Edu earned 46 caps and scored 1 goal for the United States. He was a member of the 2008 Olympic team and 2010 FIFA World Cup squad. He seemingly scored a miraculous game-winner in the USMNT’s 2010 World Cup group stage draw against Slovenia, however referee Koman Coulibaly controversially disallowed the goal.

Edu’s retirement concludes an impressive career for a player who will be remembered fondly by USMNT fans.