By Canadian Press

Veteran Canadian goalkeeper Erin McLeod returns to NWSL with Orlando Pride

Feb 14, 2020 | 2:00 PM

ORLANDO, Fla. — Veteran Canadian goalkeeper Erin McLeod has signed with the National Women’s Soccer League’s Orlando Pride.

The 36-year-old from St. Albert, Alta., who has won 118 caps for Canada, agreed to a one-year deal with an option for an additional year.

“Erin’s international experience and proven ability to perform consistently at a high level provides us some much needed depth at the goalkeeper position,” Orlando Pride GM Erik Ustruck said in a statement.

“She is a vocal and natural leader who we know will continue to build upon the culture we have set out to achieve here in Orlando. We are very excited to welcome her to the Pride.”

McLeod returns to the NWSL after spending four seasons in Europe and, more recently, rehabbing a foot injury that kept her out of the 2019 World Cup. The injury was initially thought to be plantar fasciitis but a specialist diagnosed tarsal tunnel syndrome — a painful condition that sees swelling in the foot put pressure on the nerve.

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In Europe, McLeod played for Sweden’s FC Rosengard and Vaxjo DFF and Germany’s SC Sand and FF USV Jena.

McLeod previously played in the NWSL for the Chicago Red Stars and Houston Dash. In three seasons in the U.S. league, she made 47 appearances (46 starts) with eight shutouts.

Earlier in her career, she spent two seasons with the Washington Freedom of the former Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) and won two W-League championships with the Vancouver Whitecaps women.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 14, 2020.

The Canadian Press