D.C. United officially announced that Jeff Curtin has retired from professional soccer. The 24-year-old is leaving the game due to persistent groin injuries. Curtin signed a developmental contract with United on April 17 after his rights were acquired via the 2008 MLS Waiver Draft.
After undergoing rehabilitation and training in an attempt to return to play, the defender has decided to end his playing career. D.C. United gave Curtin the opportunity to recover from his injury and the young developmental player saw 45 minutes of action in the first reserve game of the 2008 season.
Curtin was originally drafted by the Fire in the 2nd round (14th overall) of the 2006 MLS SuperDraft. He did not see first-team minutes in his rookie season due to a pair of injuries and was limited to the Fire's Reserve Division side. Curtin was placed on the season-ending injury list in September 2006 after suffering a right abductor strain and ensuing surgery for athletic Pubalgia. He started in his two appearances for the Fire Reserves, logging 119 minutes in central defense. In 2007, Curtin made his way to the first team, netting a goal in 248 minutes of play. He also logged 299 minutes for the reserve squad in 2007. He started for each of the four years he played at Georgetown University. Curtin ended his collegiate career with 12 goals and seven assists in 73 matches for the Hoyas, and earned All-Big East Second Team honors for four consecutive seasons (2002-05).
