After eight seasons with the New York Red Bulls, veteran defender and New Jersey native Connor Lade has announced his retirement.

Lade, 29, made 126 regular season appearances with his hometown club after signing as a Homegrown player ahead of the 2012 season. He made his announcement to teammates in the locker room following the Red Bulls' 4-3 loss to the Philadelphia Union in Round One of the Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs on Sunday.

Go in the locker room as Connor Lade makes his tearful announcement regarding his retirement. pic.twitter.com/tTyYKCZYlq — New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) October 23, 2019

“I am so grateful to the New York Red Bulls for the past eight seasons,” Lade said in a club statement. “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.”