Steve Neumann retires at age 25

After having his contract option declined by the New England Revolution, Bucks County native Steve Neumann has announced his retirement from professional soccer via Twitter.

Neumann grew up in New Hope, Pennsylvania before eventually taking his game to Georgetown University, where he scored 41 career goals (including a hat trick in the College Cup semifinal in 2012). He also had 34 assists while also spending three summers with Union PDL affiliate Reading United.

The former Hoya was picked up with the fourth overall selection in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft by New England after passing on a Generation adidas offer a year earlier to return to campus for his senior season and complete his business degree. J.J. Koval, the ninth overall pick in the 2014 SuperDraft also announced his retirement this week.

Since entering the league, Neumann’s minutes have dropped year after year under head coach Jay Heaps. After making 20 appearances off the bench for the Revs in his rookie season, he saw the field just 13 times over the course of the next two years.

There was speculation that Neumann could return home to suit up for the Union this year. Given his versatility and lack of wear-and-tear, he was looked at as a low-risk option for the blue-and-gold. I even got excited about the prospect of him coming here.

Neumann failed to record a goal or assist in his 744 minutes of MLS action, but with him out of favor in New England, many thought a return to familiarity was just what he needed.

While a move to Philly was always purely speculative, his retirement comes as a shock to nearly everyone. Neumann was one of the more popular MLS names made available this off-season, and plenty of teams were rumored to be interested in landing his signature.

At age 25, Neumann’s retirement seems out of the ordinary for a professional soccer player. Seeing someone hang up his boots with his prime still ahead of him may come as somewhat of a shock, but it is an unfortunate reality in this country.

Regardless of the situation, we wish Steve the best of luck in all of his future endeavors.