Terry Boss Forced To Retire After Multiple Concussions

by Dave Clark on Dec 2, 2011 1:07 PM PST in Sounders: News

Terry Boss' shot blocking skills will transition from playing to something else after today's retirement announcement.

Updated with press release from today. This is now official. Statements from Sigi and Boss.

Seattle Sounders FC goalkeeper Terry Boss suffered a concussion against Manchester United in the infamous friendly and a few weeks later another while suiting up for the Puerto Rico National Team. Boss announced over Facebook today that the repeated concussions forced the backup keeper into retirement under the advice of his doctors.

Terry Boss After repeat concussions, and many appointments with concussion specialist, the doctors have told me that I have to retire. Although its sad news, it's difficult not to also feel very blessed. By Gods grace I have been fortunate to play the sport I love for a living for the last eight years. Ive met so many great people along the way, and i get to end my career with one of the best organizations in the world and the best fans anywhere. A big thank you to everybody who made my time in Seattle so special and to everybody else who helped me along the way!

Boss' eight year career included two MLS teams and several stops in the lower leagues, with most appearances coming for the Charlotte Eagles. He also ends his career with the Puerto Rican National Team. After his second concussion the doctors, team and Boss decided it was best to shut him down for the remainder of the year. Sadly, that wasn't enough.

Ideally, this news can help young players learn the importance of telling someone about the concussion immediately. Do not play through brain damage, as the rigors of the game can lead to even further problems. As always when concussion issues in sports Think Taylor Twellman.

Goalkeeper Terry Boss Retires

RENTON, WASH. - Terry Boss, a five-year MLS veteran and the backup goalkeeper for Sounders FC for the past three seasons, has announced his retirement, Seattle Sounders FC announced today,

"We are going to miss Terry," said Sounders FC head coach Sigi Schmid. "He was a valuable member of the Sounders and it is unfortunate his career has come to a close. We wish him well and good health in his future."

"It has been a great honor and privilege to play for Sounders FC," said Boss. "This has obviously been difficult, but the support I have received from my family, friends, teammates, coaches, front office and fans has been tremendous. From the top down this team has always felt like a family, and needless to say I will never forget the time I spent in Seattle."

Boss, 30, suffered a series of concussions in the 2011 season and was placed on the club's Disabled List on September 9. In his four starts during the 2011 season, Boss helped Seattle advance to the semifinals of the Lamar Hunt U.S Open Cup and earned victories in the first two matches of the CONCACAF Champions League Group Stage, including a historic shutout win in Mexico over reigning champions CF Monterrey.

"I don't know what the future holds, but I do know that I will proudly join the greatest fans in the world by supporting and wishing nothing but the best for the entire Sounders FC family," said Boss.

Boss, an Oregon native, joined Sounders FC on June 26, 2009 after playing for the New York Red Bulls from 2008-09. In his three seasons with Seattle, Boss started eight of nine appearances across all competitions and posted three shutouts. His only MLS appearance was 45 minutes against FC Dallas on April 22, 2010.

Prior to joining Sounders FC, Boss was named USL-2 Goalkeeper of the Year in 2008 while with Charlotte. He also earned eight caps with the Puerto Rico National Team.

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As many GKs in the world do...

…Terry Boss divided opinion. Regardless of his ability—or as some say his lack thereof—he is a quality guy and always did his best at 100% effort. He was also between in the posts in one of the most memorable Sounders victories to date (Monterrey away). I wish him well and hope he goes onto success with whatever he does in life.

On that note, I feel for him. Reserve MLS players don’t make heaps of cash. Now he’s had his way of making a living taken away from him—quite possible with no back up plan. This is all speculation, but it must be a frightening time if he’s never considered the possibility of not goalkeeping.

FRIMPONG ought always be written in full caps #DEEEEEEENCH

by Kyle Ritter on Nov 30, 2011 8:16 AM PST reply actions 1 recs

Thanks for the heads up on this

I am not a Supporter | I am not a Fan | I am a Sounder
Sounder At Heart

by Dave Clark on Nov 30, 2011 8:34 AM PST up reply actions

I've wondered this too

how many of these guys that aren’t making much survive after they’re cut. My gut is they can find a job coaching in college or maybe elsewhere in the league. I hope MLS employs people in HR to transition people out and into the world.

by chrisperry1983 on Nov 30, 2011 9:50 AM PST up reply actions

Man that really sucks

What a terrible way to end a career. I wish Boss all the best in whatever else he decides to do.

I guess that probably means Meredith/Ford are 2 and 3 now?

by majora999 on Nov 30, 2011 8:17 AM PST reply actions

Technically, they're 1 and 2 now :P

But yeah, that’d be the theory.

by Agent_J on Nov 30, 2011 10:41 AM PST up reply actions

That's

scary to see a Meredith and Ford as 1 and 2 even though its temporary until the announce of the new GK happens.

by gstommylee on Nov 30, 2011 10:44 AM PST up reply actions

We could do much worse than Ford/Meredith as 1 and 2 GK

Both seem to have the ability to be great.

by majora999 on Nov 30, 2011 11:40 AM PST up reply actions

Thanks for the memories, Terry.

I’ll never forget the pacing I did in my living room last summer during the Monterrey game, at times I wanted to rip my hair out but I suppose that’s what added to the excitment of the game. You’ll always be a member of the rag tag squad of (mostly) backups that went on Mexican soil and got us three points. It made me forget about the Celtic friendly. Good luck in life post-soccer.

Go banana!

by Disco_Stew on Nov 30, 2011 8:48 AM PST reply actions

Prost Amerika reminded me that he did a heck of a job in the Chelsea friendly

by Agent_J on Nov 30, 2011 10:42 AM PST up reply actions

I feel for Terry

Bad timing. He had to be thinking that 2012 was his dark horse opportunity to emerge from Kasey’s shadow. He seemed to be working hard and growing in his abilities while backing Keller. I wish him the best in his future endeavors.

by look4wrd on Nov 30, 2011 9:16 AM PST reply actions

It's never a great time to be forced into retirement by injury

but this seems to be particularly bad timing as I think Boss was getting better with age. Best of luck to him in whatever comes next – we’ll always have Monterrey…

by Nevtelen on Nov 30, 2011 9:32 AM PST reply actions

Brain injuries are no joke

I’m sad to hear Boss has been forced to retire like this. Oftentimes, those who have suffered from multiple concussions have troubles with depression and other mood disorders. Hopefully Boss made this move before he’s had to suffer through much of that. Good luck to him in life after soccer.

by ubelmann on Nov 30, 2011 10:49 AM PST reply actions

Good player, great person

I’m sad he didn’t get his chance to make the GK position his. Boss sat in the stands behind at the last Reserves game and took the time to chat with several of the youngsters there. My wife also gave him my son’s email address and asked him to send a note of encouragement — Sam had broken his leg earlier in the year and was still not yet cleared to play, so she figured he’d be able to sympthyize. Boss totally came through with a very thoughtful note.

by The King of Norway on Nov 30, 2011 12:25 PM PST reply actions 3 recs