New York Red Bulls defender and New Jersey native Connor Lade announced his retirement following his eighth professional season with the First Team. Lade has been a part of the New York Red Bulls club since December of 2007 when he joined Red Bulls Academy during his senior year of high school.

"I am so grateful to the New York Red Bulls for the past eight seasons," said Lade on his retirement. "It was my goal to start and finish my career with this club and I feel very fortunate to do so. From the three supporters shields to the numerous lifelong friendships I will always be indebted to the club that has given me so much."

Following a four-year stint at St. John's University, Lade was signed as New York's fifth-ever Homegrown Player on December 5, 2011. The Morristown, New Jersey, native made an immediate impact in 2012 during his rookie season, starting 22 of his 26 games played in 2,088 minutes with three assists. He helped anchor a backline to eight clean sheets during the same season. After a successful rookie year, Lade earned his first call-up to the United States National Team on Jan. 6, 2013, for training camp in Carson, Calif. He was named to the squad's 23-man roster ahead of the Jan. 29 friendly against Canada.

Lade amassed 115 starts and 153 games played, which includes 10,456 minutes played, across all competitions over eight seasons as a Red Bull. He recorded five goals and nine assists during his tenure with New York, including his first career MLS goal against Orlando City SC on July 13, 2016 and was assisted by Bradley Wright-Phillips. Lade is the club's all-time leader in homegrown appearances.

The New York Red Bulls will have a post-match retirement ceremony after the 2020 MLS home opener to honor Lade.