Since Dom Dwyer joined Orlando City SC in late summer 2017, fans and media alike have almost literally begged the question: “When is Sydney Leroux (Dwyer’s wife) going to wear purple, too?”
Late Friday morning, all of those questions were answered, as the Orlando Pride announced the acquisition of Leroux via trade with new National Women’s Soccer League side Utah Royals FC.
“It felt like a really long time coming. I knew as soon as Dom got traded that we wanted to play, you know, in the same city together,” Leroux said, per the Pride’s release. “And I think that Orlando’s the perfect place to do it, and it’s the perfect place to raise a family. So, we’re just super excited that we’re all here together.”
In exchange for the United States women’s national-team star, Orlando only surrendered a first-round pick in the 2019 NWSL College Draft that it just dealt for ahead of the NWSL’s dispersal draft on Jan. 30.
“We’re very happy we were able to bring Sydney to Orlando. She’s a dynamic striker that will bring pace and goal-scoring ability to our group,” Pride general manager Niki Budalic said, per the team’s release. “Her physicality and personality will complement our roster and club, and [we] look forward to having her with us.”
Leroux spent the past two seasons with former NWSL club FC Kansas City, as her rights were transferred to Utah when Kansas City’s ownership moved west. The 27-year-old most recently posted 6 goals and 2 assists in 2017. Leroux missed the 2016 season because she was pregnant.
Before Kansas City, Leroux played just three matches for the then-Western New York Flash before helping the national team win the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. In 2014, she helped Seattle Reign FC to the NWSL Shield, scoring 5 goals in 22 appearances.
She began her NWSL career in the league’s inaugural season for the since-discontinued Boston Breakers in 2013, scoring a league-leading and Breakers single-season record 11 goals. Leroux was nominated for rookie of the year and earned a spot on the NWSL Best XI.
“I’m delighted to bring a player of Sydney’s caliber and pedigree to the Pride. Sydney has a great work ethic, strong footballing skills and a wonderful personality that I know will fit in well with the team culture here in Orlando,” Pride head coach Tom Sermanni said, per the release. “We’re excited to add her to our already potent offensive force.”
Leroux has made a significant mark on the international stage, too. With the exception of the 2016 Summer Olympics, Leroux has appeared in every major tournament since 2012. In 75 caps since 2011, she’s scored 35 goals, tying April Heinrichs for 14th-most goals on the U.S.’s all-time list.
For more on the Pride, as they prepare for preseason, follow Victor Tan on Twitter at @NDR_VictorTan.
To contact Victor, you can email him at vtan@newdayreview.com.
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