D.C. United announced Tuesday that goalkeeper Zach Wells has retired from professional soccer. The 27-year old, who was recovering from off-season foot surgery, has decided to end his MLS playing career after five seasons in the League that included a one-year stint with D.C. United.
United acquired Wells on December 12, 2007 from the Houston Dynamo in exchange for defender Bobby Boswell. He began the 2008 campaign as United's first team goalkeeper, and made a total of 17 League appearances throughout the season. In League play, he posted a record of 8-8-1, one shutout, and a goals against average of 1.65. After featuring in all three of United's SuperLiga matches in July, Wells was briefly sidelined with sesamoiditis in late August. He eventually made a successful recovery the following month to start in four CONCACAF Champions League games. Wells played in 31 games (all starts) and put together a record of 13-15-3 in all competitions for the Black-and-Red.
Wells began his MLS career with New York in 2004, playing there for two seasons. On 1/20/06, he was traded to the Houston Dynamo for a fourth round MLS SuperDraft pick. Wells also earned his first call-up to the U.S. Men's National Team camp that year, and made his U.S. debut against Guatemala on 2/19, playing the last 10 minutes in a 4-0 victory in Frisco, Texas. In Houston, Wells was primarily used as a backup, but was a member of the Dynamo during their back-to-back MLS Cup wins in 2006 and 2007.
