Harry Shipp’s surprise retirement has sent shockwaves through the Seattle Sounders community. Players, fans, coaches, and management have reacted to the news in different ways: sadness for the club’s loss, happiness for his future pursuing an MBA from Northwestern University, and amongst the most cynical of supporters, frustration with the timing and its implications for the team’s salary cap and roster construction.
The varying reactions are fitting for a decision that is on the one hand baffling given his age and apparent job security with the club (after re-signing Shipp this offseason, Garth Lagerwey said “There will always be a role for Harry,”) and on the other hand completely on-brand for a player who made a career by staying one step ahead of the game.