Amy LePeilbet retires from professional soccer

FC Kansas City defender Amy LePeilbet announced her retirement from professional soccer Monday. She won two National Women’s Soccer League championships with the Blues and won a gold medal with the U.S. Women’s National Team in the 2012 Olympics.

“I love the beautiful game, but most of all; I am thankful for the friendships and relationships that I have formed throughout the years,” LePeilbet said in a release. “It is very hard to say goodbye, but I know that it is the right things for me at this time.”

LePeilbet started her professional career in 1998 as one of three high school students chosen to the Chicago Cobras roster. She also played for the Arizona Heatwave, Pali Blues, Boston Breakers and Chicago Red Stars before settling in Kansas City. She had 84 caps with the national team, which included all six matches of the 2011 Women’s World Cup.

She was chosen to the 2015 NWSL Best XI and was FC Kansas City’s Most Valuable Player.

This story was originally published December 28, 2015 at 12:57 PM with the headline "Amy LePeilbet retires from professional soccer."