Leroux sees bright future for NWSL
New Orlando Pride forward has been part of two National Women’s Soccer League franchises that have folded, but she still sees a bright feature for the league.
Leroux started her career with the Boston Breakers, which folded last week after failing to secure new ownership during the offseason.
She spent the last season with FC Kansas City, whose owners struggled to fund the club near the end of the year and ultimately shut down operations. The Utah Royals stepped in to launch a new franchise and took over the FC Kansas City roster.
“It’s tough because you want these teams to succeed, but … it’s better for them to only keep going if they are in a place to succeed,” she said. “… It’s unfortunate, but I think we have a bright year ahead and we’re going to grow.”
Leroux is one of the most prominent faces in U.S. women’s soccer and beyond uniting her family in Orlando, she said she is grateful to be part of a franchise that heavily invests in its women’s club.
“Even when you come here and you’re playing against Orlando, you can see how amazing they are,” she said. “I know they do things the right way.” Pride coach
said it was crushing to see the Boston Breakers shut down, but he also believes the NWSL remains strong.
“I think the league is in a very strong place moving forward,” he said. “I think it’s disappointing to lose a team at the 11th hour and because it was in the 11th hour, there wasn’t time to put a replacement team in. But the positive thing is there are teams that can be put into the league in the next year.
“If the Boston situation had been raised two months ago, there would be 10 teams going into it this year. Time constraints are making it impossible. In some ways, we know there’s interest there and the rest of the league is solid.
“You’re better off cutting a team off rather than going on ailing and ailing. Struggling financially, struggling to put a competitive team out.”
Sermanni said the league’s top players will play a critical role in the league’s growth and stability.
He said Leroux is a huge asset for the Pride on the pitch and an elite scorer, but her celebrity status off it will only help bolster fan support and help the league continue to grow its audience.
“I’m a bit upset that I’ll have some competition on Twitter this year,” Sermanni joked, alluding to Leroux’s vast following on Twitter and Instagram. “I need to make sure that I keep her in place so that she doesn’t take over a top spot.
“No, her platform is crucially important. That’s why she’s a big signing for us. The importance of signing Sydney is that she brings so much more than just on the soccer field. She brings a huge fan base. She’s an exciting player to watch. She’s a kind of character and personality off the field and that will boost the Pride.”
Leroux said she will do anything possible to bring in more fans and help bolster the sport.
That includes urging her husband, Orlando City star striker to support the NWSL.
“We want everyone to support women’s soccer,” she said. “I think it’s really helpful when there’s an MLS team that’s tied to the NWSL team. If you can come out and support the men, you can come out to support the women.
“I tell Dom all the time, you better not miss one game. He won’t.”