Rusty Pierce (born July 24, 1979, in The Woodlands, Texas) is an American former professional soccer player who spent eight seasons in Major League Soccer.

Career

College

Pierce played college soccer at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro from 1997 to 1999, appearing in 51 games during his time there. Following his junior season, Pierce signed a Project-40 contract with Major League Soccer, entering the 2000 MLS SuperDraft, where he was selected 14th overall by the New England Revolution.

Professional

New England Revolution

The Revolution selected Pierce in the SuperDraft on February 6, 2000. As a rookie, Pierce quickly earned a place in the Revolution starting lineup with his tenacious defending, and finished the season second on the team in minutes played, having started in 29 of the team's 32 games. Pierce made his Revolution debut (and first start) on March 18 against the Miami Fusion in the season opener, and his home debut on April 15 against D.C. United in the Revolution's home opener. and worked as a real estate broker in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Pierce returned to the game in 2009 to play for the Wilmington Hammerheads in the USL Second Division.

References

  • Wilmington Hammerheads bio
  • Columbus Crew bio