Matt Reis appeared to have turned back time during the New England Revolution’s two-leg playoff series against Sporting KC. The 16 year veteran made awe-inspiring stops and offered decisive leadership to help keep his team in the playoff race. An awkward step late into stoppage time of the second game led to a toren left quadriceps tendon and put Reis’ career in peril.
“It’s a lot of question marks,” Reis told the media on Saturday. “A lot of tough decisions have to be made on everybody’s part. We’ll have to see what happens moving forward.”
Although Reis will talk with doctors and team officials about his future, he believes that the final decision will rest with him.
“It doesn’t really have anything to do with the doctors,” Reis explained. “It has everything to do with me and if I feel I still have something left to prove—whether it’s just getting over this injury and being able to play.”
Reis admitted that he started thinking about life after playing soccer when he lost his starting position to Bobby Shuttleworth.
“During that time you start to say, ‘OK, plan for what’s next’,” Reis said. “But at the same time, ever since I can remember I loved playing the game. For me, that has never changed. Every day I come in here and get the chance play the game of soccer is something I love doing.”
The 38 year old ended 2013 with a record of 7-0-4, making him the first goalkeeper in MLS history to go unbeaten in the regular season while playing at least 10 games. Always a team-oriented player, Reis only wants to return if he’s able to replicate this form and help the squad.
“I want to play at a high-level,” Reis commented. “I don’t want to just come out here and go through the motions. I want to still be able to play at the level I’ve been playing at.”
If Reis does decide to call it quits, he will be grateful for the time that he spent on the field.
“With this injury it’s going to be something that’s going to gnaw at me,” Reis enlightened. “Just being able to go out into the sun and kick the ball around with the guys is uplifting and it was something I’ve cherished.”
Reis will also be thankful for having another playoff run, something that he hasn’t experienced since 2009.
“Everybody remembers the playoff games and everybody remembers the champions,” Reis stated. “You almost have to have that taken away to remember how special it is.”
Although 2013 didn’t allow Reis to earn a MLS Cup in a Revolution jersey, it did afford him the opportunity to showcase why he’s one of the most legendary goalkeepers in MLS history.
“If I did play my last game then I’m happy with my performance and I’m happy with the fact that I did leave it all out on the field,” Reis declared. “I was able to walk off the field with my head held high.”
(image courtesy of Kari Heistad)
