STATESBORO, Ga. – Former South Georgia Tormenta FC defender Lars Eckenrode announced today his retirement from professional soccer following the conclusion of the 2022 USL League One season.
Eckenrode spent four years with South Georgia, where he quickly became a fan-favorite and a leader on and off the field. Eckenrode is one of four players in Tormenta FC history to wear the captain’s armband after wearing it for four games in 2019. Overall, Eckenrode featured in 21 games for Tormenta FC, scoring the equalizer against Orlando City B on April 14, 2019, and the first goal in South Georgia’s 3-1 win against Greenville Triumph on June 20, 2021.
“I have made incredible lifelong memories and friendships during my time in Statesboro. I want to thank all the fans who have shown me so much love and support over the years. Thanks to you, Statesboro has become a place I call home.”
Lars Eckenrode
Eckenrode’s leadership saw him become the interim head coach for Tormenta FC on Aug. 14, 2020, when the Statesboro side took on Forward Madison.
A University of Michigan alumnus, Eckenrode spent four seasons with the Wolverines men’s soccer team, which he captained in 2016. During his collegiate career, Eckenrode appeared on the Big Ten All-Rookie Team in 2013 and the College Sports Madness Preseason All-Big Ten Team in 2014. Eckenrode was drafted in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, where he was picked up in the fourth round by the Toronto FC organization.
The center back played for D.C. United U-23 in 2014, followed by two years with Ann Arbor FC. Off the field, he spent time coaching for Saline FC in Saline, Michigan.
Tormenta FC would like to thank Lars Eckenrode for his tremendous contributions to the Club on and off the field since his arrival. The Club wishes him well in his future endeavors.