The Perfect Striker: MLS Legend Bradley Wright-Phillips Retires
On March 8th, Bradley Wright-Phillips called it a day. Singing a one day contract with Red Bull New York to retire as a Red Bull, BWP officially retired, ending legendary soccer career. Wright-Phillips will go down as one of the greatest strikers in MLS history and I truly feel that he deserves this title. The son of famed English forward Ian Wright and brother of English winger Sean Wright-Phillips, BWP had a relatively inauspicious start to his career in England. After suffering a knew injury and failing to break back into the EFL Championship or the EPL, Wright-Phillips came to the United States as a trialist, in an effort to rehab his career.
In June of 2013, nearly halfway through the MLS season, Wright-Phillips signed with Red Bull New York, joining fellow Englishman and football legend Thierry Henry.
In June of 2013, nearly halfway through the MLS season, Wright-Phillips signed with Red Bull New York, joining former English footballer and legend Thierry Henry. Though he only scored two goals in the later half of that season, BWP would breakout the following year, scoring 27 goals, winning the Golden Boot and matching the MLS single season record for goals. In 2016, BWP would break the RBNY all-time scoring record, notching his 63rd goal, and winning his second Golden Boot. He wouldn’t stop there, though – in 2018, he scored his 100th goal against arch-rival DC United, becoming the fastest player in MLS history to reach the century mark. All told, BWP would go on to score an incredible 138 goals over 286 games with RBNY, LAFC and the Columbus Crew, putting him at sixth all-time in MLS.
He wouldn’t stop there, though – in 2018, he scored his 100th goal against arch-rival DC United, becoming the fastest player in MLS history to reach the century mark.
Though his statistics and accolades speak for themselves, BWP was a lovable player who was known for his personality as much as his goals. Wright-Phillips will go down as one of my favorite players ever. As a fan, I was fortunate enough to meet BWP in person - I can say that he was as kind and professional a gentlemen as you could ever meet. He always made time for fans, didn’t shy away from signing autographs and never missed an opportunity to make someone’s day. He put everything he had into his career and everyone could see how truly special and important he was to the beautiful game in the United States. MLS would not be where it is today if not for the outstanding play and leadership of BWP. I will miss his heel clicks and shiny bald head every game day going forward. Though RBNY and MLS are saying goodbye to a legend, in my heart I know his legacy will live on. I hope to one day bring my future children to Red Bull Arena, point to the number 99 on the ring of honor and explain how truly special and legendary Bradley Wright-Phillips was.
Thank You Bradley.
