Dax McCarty says farewell after 19 MLS seasons

Midfielder Dax McCarty’s 19-year MLS career ended Sunday with Atlanta United’s 1-0 loss to Orlando City SC in the MLS Cup Playoffs.

McCarty, 37, announced his decision to retire in August. He departs after 523 career appearances including the postseason, third in league history behind Nick Rimando (553) and Kyle Beckerman (535).

“I’m really grateful for these last 19 years,” McCarty said. “If you were to tell the little kid in me that I would have made it this far, I wouldn’t have believed you. It’s been a hell of a ride and I’m just really grateful.”

McCarty had one assist in 22 matches (10 starts) during his lone season with Atlanta.

He recorded 22 goals and 72 assists in the regular season with FC Dallas (2006-10), D.C. United (2011), New York Red Bulls (2011-16), Chicago Fire (2017-19), Nashville SC (2020-23) and Atlanta.

An MLS Cup eluded McCarty, a two-time Supporters’ Shield winner with the Red Bulls (2013, 2015). He was an MLS All-Star in 2015 and 2017 and made the MLS Best XI in 2015.

“It’s been one of the most memorable months of my career,” McCarty said of the playoff run with the Five Stripes.

“Frustrating season, but we ended it with pride and we ended it fighting. That’s all you can ask. We gave it a good go. We gave it everything we had.

“The magic just ran out a little bit here in Orlando.”