Dallas Burn goalkeeper Mark Dodd announced his retirement from Major League Soccer. Dodd, 35, was a sixth-round selection (53rd overall) by the Burn in the 1996 MLS Draft. In his five years with the Burn, Dodd was a two-time MLS All-Star selection and was named a finalist for Pepsi Goalkeeper of the Year in ’96, ’97 and ’98, winning the honor in ’96. Dodd played in a total of 92 games for the Burn and ends his career seventh all-time in league history in wins (44), third in saves (495) and tied for sixth with 16 shutouts. “This was obviously a difficult decision for me,” said Dodd. “No athlete is really ever ready to retire but at some point that time comes and you gradually accept it. I have been very fortunate to have the opportunity to play professionally for 11 years and to be able to play here in my hometown of Dallas in front of my family was a great way to end my career.” Dodd spent the entire 2000 campaign on injured reserve after undergoing surgery in February to repair three damaged ligaments in his right hand. “Mark has obviously been a very important part of the Burn’s success,” said Burn President and General Manager Andy Swift. “His first three years in the league set the standard for consistency and excellence on the field for all future goalkeepers in MLS.” Career highlights: ò In 1996 Dodd was named the Pepsi MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, was named to the MLS Best 11 and was a member of the All-Star Team after leading the league in games played (31), saves (161) and minutes (2776) and tying for the league-lead in wins with 17. ò In 1997, Dodd led the league in minutes with 2700 and set a then league-record with 183 saves while winning the team’s Honda Most Valuable Player award as well as the BIC Tough Defender award while also being named a starter in the All-Star game.