ATL Standard

The 2024 season will mark the final appearances of Dax McCarty on the soccer field. The Atlanta United midfielder announced his retirement from Major League Soccer (MLS) after a 19-year career via social media on Monday.

McCarty elaborated on his decision during a press conference at the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground on Tuesday morning. He stated, "I decided I'm good in my heart with where I'm at in my life and my career to move on to the next chapter and let the new, younger generation come through and replace me."

Reflecting during the Leagues Cup break, McCarty discussed his retirement with family members. He mentioned that he always preferred to conclude his career on his own terms. Once he made up his mind, he felt a "boulder" lifted while training with teammates and subsequently shared his decision with the club.

"I'm like milk, I have an expiration date," McCarty said. "And I'm excited to enjoy the freedom that this decision brings me in the next couple of months."

As one of MLS's most enduring players, McCarty will leave behind a storied legacy. In an April 27 match against Chicago Fire—one of his former clubs—he made his 500th MLS appearance. Only one other field player has more appearances than McCarty in league history.

Throughout his career, McCarty played for multiple franchises. Drafted by FC Dallas in 2006, he also had stints with New York Red Bulls, D.C. United, Chicago Fire, and Nashville SC. Notably, he was part of Nashville SC's inaugural roster when they began play in 2020.

McCarty joined Atlanta United as a free agent in January for what would be his sole season with the club. Reflecting positively on this experience, he praised its facilities, fan base, talented players, and vibrant city.

On-field competitiveness remains strong for McCarty; at age 37, he's proud to have been available for every Atlanta United match this season. Ahead of their August 24 game against L.A. Galaxy, he logged over 700 minutes across 15 regular-season matches with eight starts.

Teammate Saba Lobjanidze challenged him to extend his career if Atlanta United wins the MLS Cup trophy this year—a prospect that didn't sway McCarty towards playing another season but kept alive aspirations for this year's campaign.

"As disappointing as this year has been on the field with the results," McCarty noted optimistically about their remaining schedule: "We still have nine games left to make a run [and] make the playoffs... It can happen."