Jimmy Conrad retires: The Chivas USA defender, seen here in 2009 when he sustained a concussion playing for the U.S., is calling it quits after suffering another concussion earlier this season. (AP Photo).

Jimmy Conrad was supposed to be a recognizable and prominent face of Chivas USA after the veteran central defender joined the club as captain on a two-year deal from Kansas City in the offseason.

Instead he made just two starts for the club before suffering a concussion and hasn’t played since.

On Thursday Conrad will officially announce his retirement at a Home Depot Center press conference after 13 MLS seasons and 290 games presumably because his concussion symptoms are still lingering.

Conrad, who originally played with the San Jose Earthquakes before moving to Kansas City, was a five-time MLS All-Star and made 28 appearances for the USMNT.

Conrad was on one of the most likable and press-friendly players in a league woefully short of genuinely engaging characters.

Check out his web site here.