Atlanta, Nashville set for MLS playoffs

AP photo by Mark Humphrey / New York Red Bulls defender Sean Nealis, center, competes for the ball with Nashville SC's Jack Maher, left, and Walker Zimmerman in the first half of Sunday's MLS match in Tennessee. AP photo by Mark Humphrey / New York Red Bulls defender Sean Nealis, center, competes for the ball with Nashville SC's Jack Maher, left, and Walker Zimmerman in the first half of Sunday's MLS match in Tennessee.

By ANNE M. PETERSON / The Associated Press November 7, 2021 4 min read

Major League Soccer’s annual Decision Day solidified the field for the 2021 playoffs and decided the Golden Boot race, but it also marked the end of a legendary career for the league’s most prolific scorer.

Chris Wondolowski announced his retirement Sunday, shortly after his San Jose Earthquakes wrapped up the regular season with a 1-1 draw with FC Dallas. Neither team advanced to the postseason.

Wondolowski finishes his 17-year MLS career with 171 regular-season goals, including one in his final match.

“It’s been an amazing ride,” Wondolowski said as he held back tears while addressing the fans in San Jose. “I can’t thank you guys enough.”

Going into the final day of the regular season, there were three playoff berths in each conference that were up for grabs.