Simplify the following text for a Grade 6 native English-speaking person.
Original: George Edward ( `` Eddie '' ) Pope ( December 24 , 1973 ) is a retired American soccer player who last played for Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer and spent 11 years as a defender for the United States national team .
Simplified: Eddie Pope ( born 24 December 1973 ) is a former American soccer player . He has played for United States national team .