There is one positive to already having your playoff future sorted, even if it is in the negative. Now that Angel City FC know they won’t be participating in this year’s NWSL Playoffs, they can focus on finishing the season with a win, and more importantly, get a start on the roster building for next season. Yesterday, the club got started on the latter as they announced a new contract for forward, Sydney Leroux. The contract extension will see Leroux stay in Los Angeles for three years, confirming she will retire with Angel City.
¡Vamos, @sydneyleroux!
📰 #AngelCityFC announces that veteran forward Sydney Leroux has agreed to a new three-year contract through 2027!
Complete details here: https://t.co/5YfdRC0mle pic.twitter.com/s0j11QDXVJ— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) October 29, 2024
“Re-signing Sydney Leroux is a testament to her invaluable impact both on and off the pitch,” said ACFC Technical Director Mark Wilson in a statement. “As a seasoned professional and US Women’s National Team icon, Sydney has been pivotal in driving the growth of the league and bringing unforgettable moments to our fans during her time at Angel City. Her goals have fueled some of our most defining performances. We are thrilled she will continue her career with Angel City as we continue to lay the foundation for a sustainable and successful team for seasons to come.”
Sydney Leroux herself confirmed this contract will likely be her last as she reaches the end of what has been an illustrious career to say the least. “This is my last go and I’m excited to end my career here,” said Leroux in a statement. “My family and I are so excited to continue to be a part of Angel City and I promise to give my everything until the wheels fall off.”
Leroux has played 12 seasons in the NWSL, with the last two-and-a-half years spent in Los Angeles. She has made 42 appearances across all competitions for Angel City FC scoring 10 goals, and serving up two assists. 2024 has been the most productive season for Leroux in an ACFC kit, as she has scored seven of those goals this year with one assist to go with them. More importantly than her production she brings her experience. Not just with NWSL, but National Team as well having spent six years as an USWNT regular, with 35 International goals under her belt.
Angel City have a really young nucleus of players coming through the ranks with the likes of Kennedy Fuller, Alyssa and Gisele Thompson, and Casey Phair. Players who are just getting started in their International and professional careers domestically. Talent that is not even close to hitting the early stages of their prime, in need of guidance. A lot has already been talked about in regards to the Christen Press school of finishing, but Sydney Leroux has also been cited by a couple of the youngsters as a player who has been incredible in terms of taking the next generation under her wing.
This is one of those contract extensions that gives Angel City the best of both worlds. They get a player that still has enough left in the tank to give you a real productive next couple of years as the club, hopefully, really make a push to get themselves into the ranks of contending for – at the very least – consistent postseason appearances. In addition, they get one of the best mentors in the NWSL. A player that has truly seen it all, done it all, and has a wealth of knowledge to impart on the next crop of stars. A willing guide to help in the development of players not just on the pitch, but as people off it. She is also a Black mother in this sport, something that can’t be overstated on a team where there is so much young talent of color, in a city like Los Angeles. A beacon of inspiration for all those around. If this truly is the last go for Leroux, here’s hoping it ends with a few trophy lifts in Los Angeles.
Thoughts on the contract extension for Sydney Leroux? Leave a comment below!