Zach Scott is going out a champion.
After announcing his intention to retire following the end of the 2016 season, the longtime Seattle Sounders defender won an MLS Cup in his final career game when Seattle defeated Toronto FC in penalty kicks at BMO Field in Toronto on Saturday.
Scott, 36, played six seasons with the USL Sounders from 2002-08 before staying with the team during its inaugural Major League Soccer season in 2009. Known fondly as “Mr. Sounder,” Scott made over 350 appearances across all competitions spanning both leagues. He started 103 regular-season and postseason matches for the MLS Sounders, recording two goals and two assists while amassing over 9,500 total minutes.
Scott joins a list of notable players to win a title in their final game before retiring:
- Peyton Manning (NFL, Broncos, 2016)
- Landon Donovan (MLS, Galaxy, 2014)
- Ray Lewis, (NFL, Ravens, 2013)
- Michael Strahan (NFL, Giants, 2007)
- Jerome Bettis (NFL, Steelers, 2006)
- David Robinson (NBA, Spurs, 2003)
- Pete Sampras (Tennis, 2002)
- Ray Bourque (NHL, Avalanche, 2001)
- John Elway (NFL, Broncos, 1999)
- Michael Jordan (NBA, Bulls, 1993, ’98)
- Mike Eruzione (USA Hockey, 1980)
- Bill Russell (NBA, Celtics, 1969)
- Joe DiMaggio (MLB, Yankees, 1951)
- Bobby Jones (Golf, 1930)
Donovan initially retired in 2014 after the LA Galaxy defeated the New England Revolution to win the 2014 MLS Cup, but he returned to the Galaxy for the final third of the 2016 season.
Jordan left basketball after winning the 1993 NBA title with the Chicago Bulls to try his hand at baseball. After spending two years in the minor leagues, Jordan returned to the NBA and again retired in 1998 after winning his sixth championship with the Bulls. Jordan returned again in 2001 where he spent two years with the Washington Wizards.
Along with head coach Brian Schmetzer, Brad Evans and Osvaldo Alonso, Scott was one of only four remaining Sounders originals from the team’s first season in MLS.
