Seattle Sounders forward Roger Levesque will retire following Wednesday's match against Chelsea FC, the club announced today.

"Roger exemplifies what it means to be a Sounder," said Sounders FC head coach Sigi Schmid. "He has character, determination, work ethic, skill and a never-say-die attitude for the club on the field. He has represented the Sounders organization well through his charitable work in the Seattle community."

Levesque, 31, signed with Sounders FC on March 16, 2009 after spending nearly six seasons (2003-08) with the USL-1 Sounders. Levesque made 53 appearances (18 starts) for Seattle and scored six goals with two assists in his three and a half MLS seasons with the club. He added another three goals and eight assists in U.S. Open Cup and CONCACAF Champions League play, including the game-winning goal in the 2009 Open Cup final.

"I would like to thank the Sounders organization for giving me the opportunity to play professionally for the past nine years," said Levesque. "I am fortunate to see the sport grow in such a great city, and to be a part of it for so long. I'm proud of my community work and I look forward to continuing my involvement with the Seattle community."