The 2024 season will be the last time soccer fans get the chance to see Dax McCarty on the pitch. The Atlanta United midfielder will close the chapter on his 19-year career in MLS, the veteran announced Monday on social media.
He followed up the announcement with a press conference at the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground on Tuesday morning, as he told reporters:
"I decided I'm good in my heart with where I'm at in my life and my career to move on to the next chapter and let the new, younger generation come through and replace me."
Having some time to reflect during the Leagues Cup break, he discussed the decision with his family. McCarty said that the decision felt "good in his heart" and that he always preferred to end his career on his own terms.
Once the decision was made, he described a "boulder" he felt training with teammates. So, he decided to have a conversation with the club to share the news and announce it publicly.
"I'm like milk, I have an expiration date," he said, "And I'm excited to enjoy the freedom that this decision brings me in the next couple of months."
When the season ends, McCarty will depart with one of the most legendary and sustained careers in MLS history. In Atlanta United’s match earlier this season on April 27 against Chicago Fire, one of McCarty's former clubs, McCarty made his 500th appearance in MLS. Only one other field player in league history has more appearances than McCarty, which places him right near the apex of MLS history-makers.
During his career, McCarty has played for a few franchises. He was drafted in the MLS SuperDraft by FC Dallas and made his league debut in 2006. He followed that up with stints with New York Red Bulls, D.C. United, Chicago Fire and Nashville SC.
Notably, he was part of the inaugural roster for Nashville SC, an expansion club that began play in 2020. On the History of Atlanta Soccer Podcast, he recounted playing in the club's first-ever match -- which was against Atlanta United.
McCarty signed with Atlanta United as a free agent in January. The 2024 season will be his only in Atlanta, but the midfielder says the experience turned out to be what he expected.
"Great facilities, wonderful fan base, a ton of talented players, and a great city," he said.
On the pitch, McCarty still has that competitive fire. The 37-year-old is proud he's been available for every Atlanta United match this season. Heading into the August 24 match against L.A. Galaxy, McCarty has played more than 700 minutes this season, appearing in 15 regular season matches and starting eight.
His teammate Saba Lobjanidze challenged McCarty to play one more season if Atlanta United goes on to win the MLS Cup trophy this year. While McCarty wasn't sold on the part about him coming back for 2025, he certainly still has aspirations to chase this season.
"As disappointing as this year has been on the field with the results, we still have nine games left to make a run, to make the playoffs," McCarty said. "I've been around so long and seen so many teams sneak into the playoffs on a run of good form, winning three or four games in a row, getting into the playoffs, and they make a final or a semifinal and they win a championship. It can happen. I believe that, I really do. So, that's the plan."
