ORLANDO, Fla. (January 24, 2023) – Orlando Pride, Erin McLeod and Gunny Jónsdóttir have announced the pair’s departure from the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), as the duo will return to Jónsdóttir’s home country of Iceland.
McLeod and Jónsdóttir, who played for the Pride through 2020 and 2021, married on January 2 and are stepping away from the NWSL to begin the next chapter of their lives overseas.
“Both Gunny and Erin are very important members of not only the Pride, but the NWSL as a whole. Their influence, talent and expertise will be missed both within our room and in our community, but this next step in their lives is a step It’s exciting that we celebrate as well,” Orlando Pride President Seb Hines said. “On behalf of the entire organization, we thank both Erin and Gunny for everything they have given to the club and wish them the best of luck in this next chapter together.”
“This decision was one of the most difficult of my career, but as I’ve grown, my dreams and priorities have changed. Now it’s time to start the next chapter of my life with my wife,” McLeod said. “I am inspired and excited by the work this club has done this season, led by the Wilf Family, which has made this decision even more difficult. I believe, now more than ever, there are great things ahead for this club. A new Introduction , a new pride. To the fans and the Black Swans, thank you for showing up no matter what. Without you, this club wouldn’t exist.”
“Orlando has been my home for two years and it’s not easy to say goodbye,” Jónsdóttir said. “Thank you to the players, it was a chance to be on the field with you. Thank you to the staff, you were always so welcoming and willing to help in any way. Finally, thank you for your endless support. to the fans, especially to the Black Swans who always stand up and support us through thick and thin. I wish the Pride the best of luck this season and I’ll be cheering you on from afar.”
McLeod, 39, has made 28 appearances between the sticks for the Pride, making five catches in total. During his NWSL career, which included stints with the Chicago Red Stars and Houston Dash, the goaltender totaled 75 games with 13 clean sheets and 293 saves.
Internationally, the Edmonton native is a member of the Canadian women’s national team, most recently winning a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. McLeod made four World Cup and three Olympic rosters with Canada, including a bronze medal in London in 2012.
Jónsdóttir was acquired by the Pride via trade ahead of the 2021 season, making an immediate impact in the midfield. In two seasons at Central Florida, the 34-year-old made 48 appearances with five goals and two assists. Jónsdóttir’s 100th NWSL mark came in the team’s final match of the 2022 season, a tally that also includes 52 matches with Utah Royals FC. In total, Jónsdóttir has scored seven goals and added eight assists since joining the NWSL in 2018.
The midfielder has been with Iceland’s women’s national team since 2011, most recently competing at the 2022 UEFA Women’s Euro Championship and featuring in the SheBelieves Cup earlier that year.
Throughout their time with the Pride, both McLeod and Jónsdóttir have been integral parts of Orlando, not only on the field but through their efforts in the community, as well.
Most recently, Jónsdóttir served as the Club’s National Social Impact Ambassador, representing and fundraising for Special Olympics Florida and supporting athletes at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. Last year, McLeod designed and released “The Futures Collection” — the first apparel collaboration between the club and its player — to raise awareness of social equity and impact initiatives, while raising money for an Orlando-based nonprofit, Zebra Coalition.
