After a long and distinguished career, defender Danny Califf is hanging up his boots.
Toronto FC announced Friday that Califf is retiring after 14 years as a professional, and will become a scout with the club.
In a letter posted on Toronto FC's website, Califf said he was not retiring due to persistent injuries, but rather because, "When you are 33 years old and have played 14 years at a professional level, you start to have priorities that reach beyond yourself." In Califf's case, he cited family concerns.
Over a career that began in 2000 with the LA Galaxy, Califf played 234 games in MLS, winning the CONCACAF Champions' Cup in 2000, the US Open Cup in 2001, and the MLS Cup and Supporters' Shield in 2002 with the Galaxy. After moving to the San Jose Earthquakes in 2005, he won the Supporters' Shield that year.
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After playing in Europe with Aalborg and Midtjylland 2006-09, winning a Danish Superliga title in 2007-08, Califf returned to MLS, playing for the Philadelphia Union from 2010 until his trade to Chivas USA in May 2012. He remained with Chivas the rest of the 2012 season, before being picked up by Toronto FC in the MLS Re-Entry draft prior to this season. With TFC, he made four league appearances, his last coming March 30 against the Galaxy.
Califf also represented his country, earning 23 caps for the US national team. In addition to winning the 2002 CONCACAF Gold Cup, he was part of the 2003 squad for the same competition, as well as part of the 2003 Confederations Cup team, and the 2007 Copa América team. He also played in the 2000 Summer Olympics tournament in Sydney, helping guide the US to fourth place, the best-ever showing for the Americans in that competition.
