Sky Blue’s Makoski announces retirement (original) (raw)

Sky Blue FC midfielder Manya Makoski has retired from professional soccer. Makoski, 29, did not specify a reason for her retirement but said in a statement released by the club that it was a difficult decision.

“I have been so blessed to have played soccer professionally,” Makoski said in the release. “God has given me many lasting friendships, memories, and world-wide experiences through this amazing game. My decision to retire wasn’t an easy one but the right choice for me.”

Makoski played her college soccer at Arizona State. When WPS launched in 2009 Makoski was an integral member of the Los Angeles Sol who won the regular season championship before losing to Sky Blue in the final. When the Sol folded in early 2010 the Atlanta Beat took Makoski in the dispersal draft. However an ACL tear prevented her from playing and she did not appear in another WPS match.

A native of Trumbull, Conn., Makoski took her game overseas where she scored 44 goals in 47 matches spread out between teams in Iceland and Finland. Earlier this year she returned to the Unites States, signing with Sky Blue during the NWSL free agent period.

Originally pegged as an outside back, Makoski proved invaluable to Sky Blue’s season when she filled in for Brittany Bock when the defensive midfielder spent much of the year battling injuries.

“She did such a great job for Sky Blue last season and we will have a hard time replacing her,” Sky Blue FC coach Jim Gabarra said in the statement. “We all want to congratulate Manya on a successful pro career and wish her good luck in the next phase of her life.”

Makoski started 19 of her 20 appearances for Sky Blue in 2013.