Benny

Damn:

Ben Olsen, D.C. United's gritty midfielder who overcame severe ankle injuries to resurrect his career this season, has decided to retire, several sources told the Insider. A formal announcement is expected next week.

Beyond his contributions on the field -- second in team history in games played and starts and third in assists -- Olsen was the face of the club and a visible presence in the community since leaving the University of Virginia a year early and signing with United in 1998. He won two MLS Cups (1999 and 2004) and played for the U.S. national team at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

And then there was this day:

 

Olsen: "You know, I just don't understand it. I really don't. These people here, they're just so supportive. I mean, all I do, I play hard, but it's not because I have this great heart. I just like to play soccer, I like to play for this team and I guess they appreciate it."

Quaranta: "It's amazing what he brings to this team....He works as hard if not harder than anyone in this league, and he's more important that he really realizes to this team."

Olsen: "It's emotional. You know, a lot of this stuff, you act like 'Oh, it's not a big deal,' but I like to play soccer. This is my living. I want to come back, but again, it's going to be a long road back. But I'd like to thank the fans for helping me through this and giving me the benefit of the doubt. I'm getting choked up just thinking about it."

My favorite player ever.

UPDATE! This guy. This guy.