ORLANDO, FL (January 24, 2023) – Orlando Pleasure, Erin McLeod and Jonny Jonsdottir have introduced the duo’s exit from the Nationwide Ladies’s Soccer League (NWSL), because the duo will return to their native nation of Iceland.
McLeod and Jonsdottir, who’ve been enjoying for the Pleasure since 2020 and 2021, respectively, married Jan. 2 and are stepping away from the NFL to start the subsequent chapter of their lives overseas.
“Each Gunny and Erin have been extremely priceless members of not solely the Pleasure, however the NWSL as a complete. Their affect, ability and professionalism shall be missed inside our locker room and in our group,” mentioned Orlando Pleasure coach Seb Hines. , however this subsequent step of their lives is an thrilling one which we’re additionally celebrating.” On behalf of the complete group, we thank each Erin and Johnny for all they’ve given to the membership and need all of them one of the best on this subsequent chapter collectively.”
“This determination was one of the crucial tough of my profession, however as I bought older, my goals and priorities modified. Now could be the time to begin the subsequent chapter of my life with my spouse,” mentioned MacLeod. “I’m impressed and excited by the work this membership has executed within the low season, led by the Wilf household, which has made this determination much more tough. I imagine, now greater than ever, that nice issues await this membership. A brand new id, a brand new satisfaction. For the followers And the Black Swans, thanks for coming, it doesn’t matter what. With out all of you, this membership would not exist.”
“Orlando has been my house for the previous two years and it is not straightforward to say goodbye,” Yonsdottir mentioned. “Thanks to the gamers, it was such an honor to have the chance to step onto the sphere with you. Thanks to the workers, you may have at all times been so welcoming and keen to assist in any approach you possibly can. And final however not least, thanks to the followers for his or her limitless help, particularly to the Black Swans who’ve at all times appeared and supported us by way of For higher or for worse, I want Priya one of the best of luck this season and shall be cheering you on from afar.”
McLeod, 39, pitched 28 video games between sticks for the Pleasure, with 5 shutouts complete. Over the course of her NFL profession, which beforehand included time with the Chicago Purple Stars and Houston Sprint, the goaltender posted 75 video games with 13 clear sheets and 293 saves.
Internationally, the Edmonton native is a member of the Canadian girls’s nationwide staff and most lately received gold on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. MacLeod has made 4 World Cups and three Olympic rosters with Canada, and in addition received the 2012 bronze medal in London.
Jónsdóttir was acquired by the Pleasure by way of commerce forward of the 2021 season, which instantly affected their midfield. Over two seasons at Central Florida, the 34-year-old has made 48 appearances with 5 targets and two assists. Jónsdóttir’s one hundredth NWSL look got here within the staff’s closing sport of the 2022 season, a file that additionally included 52 appearances for the Utah Royals. In complete, Jónsdóttir has scored seven targets and added eight assists since becoming a member of the NFL in 2018.
The midfielder has been a staple of the Icelandic girls’s nationwide staff since 2011, most lately competing in UEFA Ladies’s Euro 2022 and ending runner-up within the SheBelieves Cup earlier the identical yr.
All through their tenure with the Pleasure, each McLeod and Jónsdóttir have been an integral a part of Orlando, not solely on the sphere however by way of their efforts in the neighborhood as properly.
Most lately, Jónsdóttir has served because the membership’s group influence ambassador, representing and elevating funds for Particular Olympics Florida and supporting athletes on the 2022 USA Particular Olympics. Final yr, McLeod designed and launched the “futures group— the first-ever attire collaboration between a membership and its participant — to boost consciousness of social equality and influence initiatives, whereas additionally elevating cash for the Orlando-based non-profit Zebra Coalition.