Portland Timbers forward Eddie Johnson has retired after a 10-year professional career in England and the United States.
The 27-year-old Johnson joined the Timbers before their inaugural season last year but has been hampered by injuries, including a third concussion in February.
''It's never an easy decision to retire, but I feel great about what I was able to accomplish, the connections I made in the game, and the opportunities it presented,'' he said in a statement Friday. ''My top priorities are my health and my young family, and I am looking forward to my future.''
Johnson's career started at 17 with Manchester United and he appeared with the first team during the 2003-04 season. He played for several English clubs, including his hometown Chester City FC before moving to the United States in 2009 to play for the second-division Austin Aztex.
The Timbers signed Johnson on Oct. 19, 2010. He had one goal in seven MLS matches last year.
The Timbers also acquired forward Mike Fucito from the Montreal Impact in exchange for a second-round SuperDraft pick or an international roster slot next year, depending on his performance this season.
The 26-year-old Fucito was acquired by the Impact in a trade with Seattle in February. Last season, he had two goals and two assists, including 13 starts, for the Sounders.
Fucito, who played at Harvard, also has five goals in eight career CONCACAF Champions League matches.
