Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that striker Sydney Leroux has been signed to the club’s roster for the 2011 United Soccer Leagues (USL) W-League campaign - pending United States Soccer Federation (USSF) approval.
"Sydney has always had a special attachment to Whitecaps FC, so we’re very pleased to welcome her back to her hometown club,” said Whitecaps FC women's team head coach Hubert Busby Jr. “Sydney brings power and pace to our attack-minded squad. She’s got a great attitude towards the game and is a proven winner."
Leroux, 20, returns to Whitecaps FC after originally playing for the team during the 2005 W-League season. The native of Surrey, BC, is the youngest player to ever play for the club at the senior level. The 5-foot-7 forward made her debut at 15 years and seven days in a season-opening 2-0 victory over Arizona Heatwave. She came on in the 82nd minute and assisted on the second goal of the match. Leroux went on to play in three matches, recording two assists during that time.
“I’m very excited to be playing in front of my family and friends again,” said Leroux. “I’m going to work really hard for the team this year and I look forward to getting the season started.”
Internationally, Leroux appeared at youth international level for both Canada and the United States. She was the youngest player to appear at the 2004 U-19 Women’s World Championship when she made Canada’s roster as a 14-year-old. A dual citizen, Leroux later switched to play for the United States, where in 2008, she appeared for the Americans at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. Leroux helped the USA win the title in Chile, while earning the Golden Shoe as the tournament’s top scorer with five goals, and the Golden Ball as the tournament’s top player. Leroux is the most-capped player and highest goalscorer for the US at the U-20 international level, netting 30 goals in 36 appearances. The young striker recently made her debut for the senior USA squad, coming on as a substitute against Sweden in the Four Nations Cup on January 21, 2011.
Since 2008, Leroux has played NCAA Division I soccer with the University of California, Los Angeles. Last season, Leroux led the Bruins with 13 goals and 27 points. In 2009, she tied a single-season school record with 23 goals and was named a semifinalist for the Missouri Athletic Club (MAC) Hermann Trophy, which is given to the top player in NCAA Division I soccer. During her freshman season at UCLA, the prolific striker started 18 of her 19 appearances, scoring five goals with six assists for a total of 16 points. She was named to the Pac-10 All-Freshman Team and was selected a Third-Team Freshman All-American by Soccer Buzz Magazine.
Seattle to host W-League Final Four
United Soccer Leagues announced on Wednesday that Seattle Sounders Women have been selected as hosts of the 2011 USL W-League Championship. The W-League semifinals and finals, featuring elite women’s domestic and international stars, will be held from July 29 to 31 at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Washington, with the final to be televised nationally.
In 2011, defending W-League Western Conference champions Whitecaps FC will play their regular season home schedule at seven different home venues throughout the province of British Columbia, as part of the Whitecaps Women's Soccer Series presented by Kia - in partnership with the Girls Metro Soccer League (GMSL).
Whitecaps FC will kick off their 2011 home schedule on Sunday, May 22, at 4 p.m. PT, when they battle Seattle Sounders at Percy Perry Stadium in Coquitlam, BC. Five days later, the 'Caps will host Colorado Rush at Chilliwack's Exhibition Stadium at 7:30 p.m. PT. Additional home venues include Surrey's Newton Athletic Park Field on Friday, June 10; Whistler's Myrtle Philip Field on Friday, June 24; Richmond's Hugh Boyd Stadium on Canada Day (Friday, July 1); and Penticton's Kings Park Field on Friday, July 8. The team concludes the regular season at Langley’s McLeod Athletic Park Field on Friday, July 15.
Whitecaps FC begin the 2011 season on the road against W-League expansion outfit Victoria Highlanders FC at Bear Mountain Stadium in Langford, BC, on Sunday, May 15, at 4 p.m. PT.
Ticket information for the 2011 Whitecaps Women's Soccer Series will be announced shortly. For additional information, visit whitecapsfc.com or call 604.669.WAVE (9283).
