Breakers to retire Lilly's number 13

March 11, 2011

When Kristine Lilly announced her retirement over the winter, the Boston Breakers announced their intention to pay tribute to Lilly this season. Now they've announced when and how. The Breakers will retire Lilly’s number 13 during a half-time ceremony at Harvard Stadium on Sunday, May 22 at 4pm against the Philadelphia Independence. This will be the first number formally retired by the team.

"Kristine is the most decorated player in the history of women’s soccer and arguably the greatest female athlete in Boston sports history," said Breakers Head Coach Tony DiCicco in a statement from the team. "It was a true honor to coach Kristine as a professional here in Boston and for the 1999 World Cup winning US Women’s National Team."

Unfortunately, many area youth players will be unable to attend because Sunday, May 22 also happens to be a busy day for local club teams. This is a shame because anyone who claims to be soccer fan, a women's soccer fan, or a Breakers fan should be at this game. Lilly is a regional treasure and she deserves to be saluted in front of a packed house.