Except for the salary room it opens up, I'm saddened by this. I liked what Ivan brought to the team. I wish him all the best in the future and thank him for that goal against KC.
Dang. Good Luck to you, Ivan. Although we all know he had his weaknesses, I did like him on the team. I'll especially miss him at the post-game parties and tailgates. He was a pretty funny guy, as was that weird dude that always seemed to show up with him.
It's always sad to see a player go out due to injury. I hope he gets himself a solid post-playing career. It seems like he has a lot to offer younger American players. On a personal note: I'm saddened that there will be one less player who wears an XL jersey.
That's a real shame. You can tell it just kills Ray to say goodbye to him. My enduring memory of him will be after we beat Chicago in the home opener, he came over to the BarraNest and did some kind of whacked out South African Elvis impression. I asked him about it later and he said that I looked a bit like Elvis. Funny guy. Good Luck Ivan.
That sucks. I wish Ivan all the best. He sacrificed last season to get compensated this season, and while working to improve himself in the offseason he lost the chance. I hope the settlement between he and MLS was mutually satisfactory. I hope his transition from soccer is a smooth one. Best of luck Ivan, we'll always remember you as one of ours. -Tron
Best of luck to Ivan for a full recovery and success in whatever the future holds for him. And c'mon people, every team needs an enforcer type, and Ivan actually brought more to the team than that. He was an accurate passer, an aerial threat, and by all accounts contributed positively to team chemistry.
Come root with us in the Nest/Barra when you're at RFK, Ivan. I wish you had been with DC in 2001 to kick some non-performing butts around the field. Good luck with your rehab and finding fulfillment in your next endeavor. GM
I'm sad to see Ivan go. I found him to be the friendliest player on the team at meet the team day last year. Good luck Ivan!
Seconded. I hate to see injuries kill a guy's career, but good riddance to bad rubbish. Do I want him in the clubhouse and meeting fans? Yep. Do I ever want to see him in a United uniform on the field again? Nope.
I always liked the fact that Ivan gave this team some balls. Other teams could shove around our "hyped" teenagers...but not Ivan. He was also a hard-working player who always had time for the fans. It was a pleasure meeting Ivan at the Barra tailgate and I will always remember when he had a couple beers with the five Barras who went to see that Honduran/El Salvador club match. Best of luck Ivan.
This is no time to pile on a player for his style (though I didn't have too much trouble with iMac, aside from lack of speed and a tendency to be caught upfield on counters). I think his "thuggery" was oversold and bought up by the referees. It's a shame when your career ends with an injury. I add my condolences, and a wish for a long and prosperous life. dadman
Good luck Ivan, I will miss your talented hacking and thuggery on my team. Stop by the Barra tailgate for a cold one anytime.
that was a fun day and to me Ivan is a special guy, i always loved both his grit and toughness and, something i don't think anyone has touched on, his knowledge of the game. he is a true professional and underneath some of the reputation was a guy who really understood the game. ray hudson told me once that he never met a player in his whole career who loved football more than ivan did. too me, that came out every time i interacted with him. i hope the team brings him on in a front-office or coaching capacity. he would be a great addition not only for his knowledge but also his personality.
Does anybody know if he was under contract for next year? I know in most pro leagues you can't release a player due to injury from his contract without some sort of settlement. Just wondering if he's still going to count against the salary cap, or if the team is going to have to pay him some severance $$. Thanks.
I am disappointed to see Ivan go. I know, I know, some don't care for his playing style. Ivan is a really nice guy, and he will be missed. A rapid and thorough recovery, Ivan! Mark
Who knows with MLS rules but we think that he will not count towards the cap as he was injured playing in a non-MLS game. If he had been injured during training camp, then he probably would have counted.
Thanks. The article did mention it was a non-MLS game in which he hurt himself. Bad luck for him if that's the case.
I agree with dadman. Although he wasn't the most subtle of players, he had a really nice touch once he got the ball, to get the play headed back to the midfielders and forwards on attack. Winoman