Angel City forward Sydney Leroux was in tears Monday night after an emotional return to the field. Leroux had been sidelined for the past 11 months and scored in her first game back during Angel City’s 2-1 defeat to the Chicago Red Stars.
Leroux joined Angel City from the Orlando Pride last June and was only able to make three appearances for the Los Angeles club before a season-ending ankle injury that required surgery.
On Monday she was brought into the game in the 76th minute after waiting 310 days to put on the Angel City jersey again. With her side trailing 2-0 she made an immediate impact scoring in the 88th minute.
The assist by 18-year-old phenom Alyssa Thompson was incredible and marked her first career assist. Meanwhile this was Leroux’s 40th NWSL goal putting her 11th on the all-time regular season scoring list.
Sydney Leroux goal vs Chicago Red Stars
A familiar face returns... @sydneyleroux checks in for @weareangelcity! pic.twitter.com/W582sjje9V
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 6, 2023
It had to be @sydneyleroux!
She brings one back for @weareangelcity! pic.twitter.com/Is0ghuTDv0— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 6, 2023
Had to bring out the on-pitch angle for Alyssa Thompson's first career assist. pic.twitter.com/dLD185Ca3q
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 6, 2023
Make sure you have your tissues handy for what comes next. After the final whistle Leroux embraced her two children, Cassius and Roux. The Angel City forward said how much her kids had helped her through the recovery process of her injury.
I'm not crying, you're crying, WE ARE ALL CRYING.
THIS MOMENT @sydneyleroux pic.twitter.com/am13lQXXW8— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 6, 2023
WELCOME BACK @sydneyleroux!! pic.twitter.com/8VuP8hBbuR
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 6, 2023
@sydneyleroux : “it’s the most special thing to share that with them tonight”#AngelCityFC | @cryptocom pic.twitter.com/EkG8ZN8LEM
— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) June 6, 2023
Leroux wasn’t the only one emotional about her return as she posted Cassius’ reaction to her goal on Instagram.
View this post on Instagram
Perhaps the return of Leroux will help turn the season around for Angel City who only have nine points from 10 games and sit second-to-last in the NWSL standings. They will be back in action on Saturday in that nation’s capital against the Washington Spirit.
