Berhalter to retire after season

Los Angeles Galaxy defender Gregg Berhalter announced on Wednesday that he will retire following the current Major League Soccer season.

The 38-year-old joined the Galaxy in 2009 after spending time in England, Germany and Holland, and he became a player/coach with the Galaxy in January.

Berhalter has appeared in eight league games for L.A. this season and has been out with a foot injury since August 25.

"I am grateful for all of the experiences that soccer has given me throughout my career," Berhalter said. "I am proud to have been able to play for my country at the highest level as well as to play for all of the clubs that I have. I hope that I represented them well through hard work, dedication and my love for the game."

"This was not an easy decision for me to make but I feel that the timing is right for me to close this chapter of my career and begin to focus on the next stage as I look to continue my career in coaching."

Berhalter was capped 44 times by the United States, with his first appearance coming in 1994 against Saudi Arabia. He was a member of the 2002 and 2006 World Cup teams while also representing the U.S. at the 1999 and 2003 Confederations Cup.