He hasn't been here long, but New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Ronald Waterreus has decided to retire from the game at the end of his debut season in Major League Soccer. The club made the announcement last Friday, following the Bulls' 1-1 draw with the Los Angeles Galaxy, in which Jeff Conway was once again preferred to the experienced Dutchman by Red Bulls coach Bruce Arena. The North Jersey Herald's Ives Galarcep takes a look back at Waterreus' contribution to what has been another mediocre year for the New York Red Bulls.
It seems years ago now, but Waterreus and the Bulls enjoyed a fantastic open to the 2007 season, going the first four matches unbeaten and unscored upon. However, in a 3-3 tie with Real Salt Lake, Waterreus tore his ankle and went on to miss five matches. After that, he "never fully regained his early-season form," finishing the year with a 6-6-5 record. Waterreus was one of several heralded arrivals in New York in the off-season, along with designated player Claudio Reyna, formerly of Manchester City.
"I have been very fortunate to enjoy a long and eventful professional soccer career," Waterreus said in a statement released by the team. "Over the past 20 years, I have been lucky to play at the top level in a number of different countries and gain memories that I will never forget." Before the Red Bulls, Waterreus played with Scottish giant Glasgow Rangers, Manchester City of England and Dutch champion PSV Eindhoven.
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