David Horst announces end to playing career after major achilles injury

It’s not a particularly surprising announcement, but David Horst has confirmed that he’s calling time on his playing career.

Horst, 33, started his career with Real Salt Lake, which is also where he ended it. After a backup role last year, he suffered an achilles injury that sidelined him for most of 2018.

Announcing his retirement on Instagram, Horst attributed the move to that achilles injury.

“I have overcome almost all obstacles in my career, but the human body can only endure so much,” he wrote. “After tearing my achilles this year, this will be one comeback I won’t be making.”

The move is not a particularly surprising one, though, given Horst has been exploring non-playing options following his injury. He made several appearances on Real Monarchs broadcasts as a commentator, and he worked in at least a temporary fashion as a Real Monarchs coach alongside fellow former RSL defender Jamison Olave.

We’ll keep our ear to the ground on next steps for Horst, supposing his career continues in professional soccer.