ORLANDO, FL – The Orlando Pride released the following statement regarding striker Sydney Lerou.
With the 2021 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season getting underway, the Orlando Pride have inked forward Sydney Leroux to a three-year contract with an option for an additional year, it was announced today. The deal, which puts Leroux in the City Beautiful through at least the 2023 NWSL season, is the maximum deal available to NWSL teams and its players.
“We’re thrilled to have Sydney continue to be an important part of the Pride family and greater Orlando community. Her qualities on the field and as a person speak for themselves,” Orlando Pride General Manager Ian Fleming said. “Paired with her technical ability, Syd’s experience and leadership will push us toward success both now and as we build into the future. We believe the best is still to come for Sydney, and can’t wait to see her reach new heights in her career as a member of the Pride.”
“I’m excited to be here in Orlando now and for the future. I know what this Club is capable of and I’m ready to get to work. It’s really nice to feel valued by the Club, my teammates and the fans in Orlando,” Leroux said. “I’m extremely excited to continue to work with Marc and our staff and can’t wait to get a full season to prove myself.”
Through seven NWSL seasons, the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion has totaled 93 appearances, scoring 30 goals across all competitions. Since joining the Pride ahead of the 2018 season, she has made 26 appearances, finding the back of the net seven times.
In three appearances at the 2020 NWSL Fall Series, Leroux led the Pride in shots (8), shots on goal (5) and aerials won (8). Leroux found the back of the net once during the Fall Series, slamming home a shot from the doorstep on Oct. 9 against the Houston Dash.
One of the veteran leaders on the squad, Leroux marks one of four World Cup Champions on the Pride roster with 35 goals in 75 appearances for the U.S. WNT in her international career. In addition to her World Cup title, Leroux was also a member of the U.S. WNT’s 2012 gold medal-winning Olympic squad.
The Pride began preseason training on Monday morning at the Orlando Pride Training Ground at Sylvan Lake Park. The NWSL will begin 2021 competitive play with the Challenge Cup starting April 9 with a 24-game regular season set to begin on May 15.
