D.C. United's Ben Olsen retires

WASHINGTON, Nov. 24 (UPI) -- D.C. United midfielder Ben Olsen, perhaps the most popular player in MLS history, announced his retirement Tuesday, league officials said.

Olsen, 32, won eight total trophies while in D.C., including two MLS Cups (1999, 2004). He was a two-time all-star (1998, 1999) and was the 1998 MLS Rookie of the Year, the 1999 MLS Cup MVP and the 2003 USSF Humanitarian of the Year.

"Ben Olsen has been called the heart and soul of D.C. United and, over the years, that is exactly what we've come to expect from him," said D.C. United President and Chief Executive Kevin Payne. "Since he joined our team as the League's first Project-40 player until his last game in the 2009 season, Ben gave all that he had for his team and his teammates."

Olsen ended his career as one of United's all-time leaders in every key category -- second in games played (221), minutes played (17,098) and game-winning goals (13); third in assists (49) and shots on goal (155); and seventh in goals (29), the MLS said.