Report: Lisandro Lopez considering retirement in wake of father’s passing

In news we regret to pass along, Argentine journalist Cesar Luis Merlo is reporting Tuesday night that Atlanta United striker Lisandro Lopez is considering retiring from his professional playing career after losing his father in recent days.

It’s heartbreaking to see and really we all just hope that whatever decision Lopez decides to make is one he is comfortable with. He’s proven to be a key member of Gabriel Heinze’s side early in the season, starting all but one game before returning to his native Argentina to be with his family. It’s impossible to speculate as to what decision might be made, but considering the stage of Lopez’s career, it’s certainly reasonable to cut things short in this circumstance.

If he were to retire, Atlanta and manager Gabriel Heinze would rely more heavily on Cubo Torres and newly-minted homegrown player Jackson Conway. Since Lopez has been away from the team, Torres has earned substitute minutes while Conway has been added to the matchday squads.

Everyone from Dirty South Soccer sends their prayers and strength to Lisandro Lopez during this difficult time.