In the dying moments of the MLS Western Conference semifinal between the Seattle Sounders and Real Salt Lake, the camera narrowed its focus onto RSL goalkeeper Nick Rimando. With the final whistle approaching, Rimando’s once stern and focused face was now red and blotchy, his eyes bloodshot and on the verge of tears. He was visibly in pain as he grabbed at his slumping left shoulder, which had been aggravated after a diving stop on Raul Ruidiaz in the 14th minute. He revealed after the game that he had been playing with a torn rotator cuff for much of the season. The wear and tear, and abuse his body had taken from the daily grind over the past two decades finally caught up with him.



Every athlete envisions their career ending with cameras flashing and confetti falling as they lift the championship trophy at the end of the season. No one expects their final game to be a loss in which they stumble toward the finish line in agonizing pain.



While...