Amy LePeilbet announced her retirement from soccer on Monday. (Photo Copyright: Meg Linehan for The Equalizer)
FC Kansas City and former United States international defender Amy LePeilbet announced her retirement from professional soccer on Monday. LePeilbet exits as a two-time National Women’s Soccer League champion with FC Kansas City. She earned 84 caps for the U.S. national team.
“After a very fulfilling 12-year career, I have decided to retire from professional soccer,” LePeilbet said in a statement. “I know in my heart it is time. As I embark on this new stage of my life, I will carry so many wonderful memories with me. I love the beautiful game, but most of all; I am thankful for the friendships and relationships that I have formed throughout the years. It is very hard to say goodbye, but I know it is the right thing for me at this time.”
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LePeilbet, 33, played in all six matches for the U.S. at the 2011 World Cup, where the Americans finished runners-up to Japan. She also helped the U.S. win the gold medal at the 2012 Olympics. LePeilbet made her senior team debut in 2004 against Sweden.
LePeilbet played for the Boston Breakers for all three seasons of Women’s Professional Soccer, winning back-to-back Defender of the Year honors in 2009 and 2010 as a centerback before filling a void at fullback for the U.S. at the 2011 World Cup.
She was allocated to the Chicago Red Stars at the start of NWSL, but never played for the club after undergoing surgery on the ACL in her left knee during preseason in 2013. She was traded to FC Kansas City ahead of the 2014 season and helped the Blues win back-to-back NWSL Championships over Seattle Reign FC in 2014 and 2015. LePeilbet’s return to form in 2015 was honored with Best XI honors in 2015.
“The last two seasons playing for FC Kansas City was such a pleasure, and was certainly a perfect ending to my career,” she said. “Winning back-to-back championships alongside wonderful teammates, coaches, and staff made my experience even better and has left me feeling good about stepping away.”
