COLUMBUS, Ohio - A chronic back injury, which caused him to miss the entire 2006 MLS season, has forced Crew goalkeeper Jonny Walker to announce his retirement today.
Walker, 32, has battled a chronic, degenerative annular tear since late in the 2005 season and the Crew's medical staff has actively pursued effective treatment ever since. Unfortunately, it has not responded and some of the top spine specialists and surgeons in the country have been consulted, all of whom concluded that the condition is not surgically treatable.
The Crew acquired Walker from the MetroStars (now known as the New York Red Bulls) on July 1, 2005, in exchange for the Crew's natural fourth-round draft pick in the 2006 supplemental draft, with Jon Busch and Matt Jordan both out with injuries. Walker stepped right into the starting lineup and proceeded to go 6-8-2 with a 1.13 goals-against average and five shutouts. He ranked second in the league in GAA and following the season was named the Crew's defensive player of the year, comeback player of the year and newcomer of the year. Unfortunately, he would not play in another game.
"Jonny Walker was a tremendous acquisition and asset for the Crew in the short time he was here," said General Manager Mark McCullers. "It has been well documented that our goalkeeping situation had a profound affect on our 2006 season and played a central role in altering its course. Jonny's unfortunate injury was certainly one of the key influencing factors and I have no doubt that it would have been a very different season with a healthy Jonny Walker."
Head Coach Sigi Schmid added: "Jonny Walker is a player that was missed last year, due to his personality and commitment to winning. I am disappointed that I won't have a chance to coach him, but I enjoyed getting to know him last season."
Walker signed with the MetroStars midway through the 2003 season and posted a league-low 0.95 goals-against average in 14 games. In 2004, he started 28 games with a 1.61 GAA. He required offseason rotator-cuff surgery and was still recovering at the start of the 2005 season, during which he was dealt to the Crew.
Prior to joining the MetroStars, Walker was widely regarded the first American player to establish a successful career in South America, making his mark in the Chilean First Division. While there, he played for Huachipato (1998), Unversidad Catolica (1999-2002) and Colo Colo (2003) and was named the top goalkeeper in Chile during the 2002 spring season.
Walker also earned three caps with the U.S. National Team, making his debut on January 18, 2004, and was 1-0-2 in those three appearances. He played one season at the University of Louisville before turning pro.
In making the announcement, Walker issued the following statement:
"I would like to thank my wife, Shauna, for her endless love and support. The game can be very hard on a family, especially when every effort is made to put soccer first. Other thanks are in order, but the list is far too long to name everyone. I remember every person that helped me during this journey and will never forget their kindness or unselfish deeds.
"I learned in South America that 'there are no goodbyes in futbol.' This viewpoint made it easier over the years to watch fellow players and coaches come into and go out of my life. I will always remember them and have never forgotten the moments that we shared. I wonder when I will see them next, or hear of their successes through a mutual friend of the game. That is why I am not saying goodbye, I am simply saying, 'I will see you around.'"
