Alex Yi has informed the team that he is hanging up the boots in order to go back to school. He first told us that he was considering this last week, and then took the weekend to make sure of his decision.On Monday afternoon, he met with Steve and confirmed that he'll proceed with his intentions of retiring from professional soccer. He's applied to both UCLA and UT-Austin, though he's not yet decided which one he'll attend.
Many know of the frustration Alex has endured with his hamstring injuries the past couple of years. He's visited specialists in and out of Texas, who have not been able to determine the cause of his pain. Combining his ideas of returning to school with his latest setback, Alex decided this is a good time to make the call.
Obviously, this is a bit of a surprise to the team, especially given how well Alex was playing and that even as of March 22 he was scheduled to be the starting right back in the season opener. Both current and former teammates have always spoken highly of Alex not only as a player, but also as a person and teammate.
We'll come back with more on this development in the coming days. Alex will be up here at PHP this week to sign all his papers and therefore make the announcement official. At that point we'll sit down with him to get more on this decision.
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28 comments:
we'll miss you. good luck!!!!
Bad deal, part of it is he's probably making about enough money to survive....
You're a terrific player Alex, you have the skills and physique to dominate in this league. I'm sorry to hear this decision
The shortest & slowest backline in MLS just got way shorter and slower w/o Alex.
Gookd luck to Alex, he's all class and will be a success in whatever he does.
Sorry to see him leave. I always felt he was one healthy spurt from locking down a spot. I guess he felt he would never get healthy.
Good choice Alex. Soccer is excellent but education is more important. I recommend UT-Austin.
GO TO BAYLOR!!!!
Let's be honest and let Alex know that there are NO schools in Texas better than UCLA and he already has a year and half worth of credits there.
Sad news. All the best to Alex. I hope he stays in town long enough to attend Saturdays game so that the fans can say good bye.
Wish you the best!!
Such a shame to lose a good young player and genuinely nice guy, but his hamstring problems and concussions seem to have been getting worse and worse just lately.
Please wish Alex all the best with college and his future career. Here's hoping that he'll be given a good send-off at the RBNY game this weekend.
Wow, that caught me by surprise. Well the school he wants to go to will probably depend on what he chooses for his major.
If he wants to do anything with Engineering or business I would say he should go to Texas (or UTA for engineering, my shameless alma mater plug). For anything else, such as any of the research sciences I would say he should go to UCLA.
I second the Baylor notion. Sic 'em Bears. Yi, it was good while it lasted. Go get you an education, a wife, and some kids that you can take to FC Dallas games. By the way, if you go to UTA (or Baylor) you can use your FC Dallas contacts for future and present job opportunities. I wonder if they'll hire you as a college soccer coach (and thereby you can get your education for free).
Good luck with your future Alex. We will miss you!
Well UTA has not added Women's soccer yet, but Baylor has a women's team. I could see him easily getting in there as a student assistant and at the least getting a partial scholarship.
Have known Alex since his youth soccer days in Maryland. Class 'kid'that deserves only the best. Wish him well in all of his endeavors. Good call to recognize him at Saturday's game.
A college degree is required for all coaches at the university level.
The other 'twin tower' is now gone and we are gettting older, slower and smaller all the time. We need a "good defenders wanted" sign posted in front PHP immediately.
Great all around guy - best of luck.
Good luck Alex. You will be missed. Hope to see you on Saturday to wish you will "in person".
Best of luck, Alex. You deserve the best.
Good Luck Alex!
UTA has Women's soccer. If he wants a real education Baylor would not be a good choice. It is stupid to bring up Baylor in this thread since he has decided to attend either UCLA ot UTA
http://www.texassports.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=26&change_well_id=1
UT has women's soccer, not UTA. UT=Austin, UTA=Arlington...
If Yi is looking for a good education and a chance to coach he should look at some of the ACC schools. He would have no problem getting a coach taking him as a student assistant.
uta does not equal university of texas, austin.
Hook 'em horns!! Good luck:)
UTA ALL THE WAY!!!!
THATS UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON! (I'M A PROUND ALUMNI!!!)
UT-AUSTIN IS NOT CALLED UTA. IT IS EITHER UT OR UT-AUSTIN. YOU UNDERSTAND THAT?
best wishes alex!
Take it from someone with an MBA, school sucks.
Alex Yi was such a solid defender
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