Sydney Leroux is on a tear.
The Orlando striker leads the league in goals scored, notching her seventh Sunday night in the Pride’s 2-0 win over the Red Stars. Leroux, executing a well-timed run, slotted home a pass from Erika Tymrak in the 89th minute to lock up the victory.
Syd called game 😌#CHIvORL | https://t.co/0LtSAUK1Jw | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/21SF0Uel1M
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 8, 2021
Jodie Taylor got the Pride on the board first off a well-time counterattack. The striker ran onto a lofted ball Ali Krieger sent from the backline before cutting it back and beating Chicago goalkeeper Cassie Miller with a low shot in the 14th minute.
Orlando's New No. 9 ⚽️💥#CHIvORL | https://t.co/0LtSAUK1Jw | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/uWJMyXMbwK
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 8, 2021
Leroux’s late-game finish marked the seventh time Orlando has scored a goal in the last 15 minutes of play during the 2021 season.
The 2-0 victory was also Becky Burleigh’s first win in her second game as the Pride’s interim head coach. Burleigh assumed the role after Marc Skinner stepped down to become head coach of Manchester United. Leroux praised Burleigh after her first game at the helm, calling the coach “a breath of fresh air.”
Next up: Orlando will host the Portland Thorns on Saturday. Chicago will face off against the North Carolina Courage on Sunday.