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Brandon Barklage has announced his retirement as a player via his Twitter account.
— Brandon Barklage (@bbarks25) April 4, 2017
Drafted by D.C. United in 2009, Barklage made arguably his greatest impact in MLS with the New York Red Bulls - specifically against his former club, DCU. On June 24, 2012, he scored twice in a 3-2 win over RBNY's oldest rival - the equalizer and go-ahead goal in a game DC had started by silencing Red Bull Arena with a goal in the first minute.
Those were the only two goals Barklage ever scored for RBNY, and the only goals he ever scored in MLS. In two seasons - 2012 and 2013 - with the Red Bulls, he played mostly as a right back, contributing those two goals and 10 assists.
He was a regular under both Hans Backe in 2012 and Mike Petke in 2013 - and featured as a substitute in the 5-2 win over Chicago Fire that clinched RBNY's first-ever meaningful trophy, the 2013 Supporters' Shield.
For that, and a highlight of the 2012 season (indeed, a highlight of the RBNY-DC rivalry): thank you, Brandon.
Released by the Red Bulls after the 2013 season, Barklage went on to play for San Jose Earthquakes in 2014 and then joined his hometown club, USL's St. Louis FC, in 2015. His contract with St. Louis expired at the end of 2016. He retires as a pro player at 30 years old.
Once A Metro wishes Brandon Barklage every success with whatever is next for him.