Davy Arnaud has announced his retirement from professional soccer, ending a 14-year playing career in Major League Soccer.
The 35-year-old will transition into a full-time coach for United, continuing his tenure with the Black-and-Red since his acquisition from the Montreal Impact after the 2013 season.
“Davy has had a remarkable playing career and we greatly appreciate what he has brought to our club over the past two seasons. He is one of the most hard-working, honest and competitive players I have worked with in the past 14 years at the club,” Dave Kasper, United general manager and VP of soccer operations, said. “We are excited that he is starting his coaching career with us, and we know that he will bring the same passion and commitment to the club as a coach.”
Thank you, @d_arnaud22, for a fantastic career & passion on & off the field.
— D.C. United (@dcunited) March 3, 2016
Welcome to the #DCU coaching staff!https://t.co/YBdNrTGcgT
Arnaud, who played for the Kansas City Wizards and Montreal Impact before United, is in the top ten of various MLS all-time records, including fifth in games played (351), sixth in minutes (28,471) and tied for seventh in starts (316). He is also the most fouled player in the history of MLS, drawing the referee’s whistle 746 times over his career.
Since becoming a regular starter in 2004 for the Wizards, who drafted him 50th overall in the 2002 MLS SuperDraft, Arnaud played in at least 22 matches every year and averaged over 25 starts a year.
On June 7, 2003, Arnaud scored his first MLS goal against Tim Howard and the MetroStars in a 2-1 victory, and he recorded his 50th and final career goal in Portland on May 3, 2014. He also scored the first ever goal in MLS play for the Montreal Impact on March 17, 2012.
The passionate midfielder also earned seven caps with the U.S. Men's National Team, making his debut against Brazil on Sept. 9, 2007 at Soldier Field in Chicago. He scored his first international goal against Haiti during the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Arnaud lives in Northern Virginia with his wife, Stephanie and two children, Peyton and Brody.
