Taylor Twellman, a lead soccer analyst for ESPN for more than a decade, announced Friday that he is leaving the network.
“I can’t believe it’s been almost 13 years @ESPN,” Twellman wrote in a note posted to Twitter. “I have learned from the best and enjoyed every second of our soccer coverage; World Cup, UEFA, MLS, US Soccer, FA Cups, Open Cups you name it. Hosting @SportsCenter and other programs as a former pro athlete has been a dream come true.”
Twellman, a former member of the U.S. men’s national team and Major League Soccer MVP, joined ESPN in Nov. 2011 after his playing career came to an end. He appeared on a number of the network’s top programs, including Get Up and SportsCenter and also provided both in-game and studio commentary during the 2014 World Cup.
One of Twellman’s most notable moments at ESPN came in Oct. 2017, when he blasted the USMNT for failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. His reaction included an impassioned question of “What are we doing?” which encapsulated the feelings that many American soccer fans felt following the 2–1 loss to Trinidad and Tobago that eliminated the U.S team from qualifying for the World Cup.
“The constructive criticism was vital and so important. I’ve met so many people that are great at their craft in front and behind the camera,” Twellman added in his Friday statement. “However, the best part is I’ve met friends for life and for that I’m grateful. We will see each other against down the road by for now, thank you.”
Twellman spent eight years in MLS as a forward with the New England Revolution from 2002 to ’10 following a three-year stint with 1860 Munich II. He won the MLS MVP in 2005 when he led the league with 17 goals scored and helped carry the team to four MLS Cup appearances (’02, ’05, ’06 and ’07), retiring as the Revolution’s all-time leading goalscorer with over 100 goals scored.
Twellman also earned 30 caps with the USMNT, scoring six goals between 2002 and ’08.
