Leonardo Joins OCSC for 2019 USL Season
OCSC has announced the signing of Leonardo for the 2019 USL season that is preparing for its second week of action. Orange County SC is coming off a 2-2 draw in their 2019 USL Championship season opener last week. The SoCal club now prepares for its home opener on Saturday versus Tulsa Roughnecks FC in Irvine, CA.
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USL Soccer News: Orange County SC has signed center-back Leonardo for the 2019 United Soccer League (USL) Championship season.
Jose Leonardo Ribeiro Da Silva, 31, played the past nine seasons in MLS with LA Galaxy and the Houston Dynamo, making over 145 appearances.
“I couldn’t be happier that we have come to terms with Leonardo! He is a top-notch professional both on and off the field,” said Braeden Cloutier, OCSC head coach. “He will be a fantastic addition to our team and backline.”
Leonardo came through the youth ranks in Brazil, having played on a Sao Paulo team that won the Super Group of the 2007 Dr Pepper Dallas Cup. His team defeated Real Madrid and Chelsea en route to the title. He also appeared for the club’s U15 and U20 teams.
The Brazilian moved to the United States in 2010 when he joined LA Galaxy on loan from Sao Paulo FC of the Brazilian Sèrie A. In his first season with the Galaxy, he contributed to his club hoisting the MLS Supporters Shield. In 2012, his transfer to the Galaxy was made permanent, and he went on to have success with the club. In over 100 appearances, he lifted the MLS Cup three times in 2011, 2012 and 2014 and was voted Galaxy defender of the year in 2015.
“I am very happy and thankful to be here at Orange County SC,” said Leonardo. “This club has grown so much over the past few years and I am looking forward to winning a championship here. I would like to thank Orange County for this opportunity and I can’t wait to get started.”
Following his time with LA Galaxy, Leonardo joined Houston Dynamo in 2017. He made an instant impact, making over 30 appearances during his first season and helped lead the club to the MLS Western Conference Playoff Finals. He continued his success in 2018, winning the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup for the first time in Dynamo’s club history.
“We are very excited to add Leonardo, an experienced center back who’s quality and leadership will have a significant impact on our team,” said Oliver Wyss, OCSC GM & EVP. “His signing clearly indicates that we are not resting on last year’s success and continue our pursuit of winning the USL Cup this season!”
He joins Orange County SC ahead of the club’s home opener versus Tulsa Roughnecks FC on March 16th, 2019. Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. PT at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine, CA. Tickets can be purchased here.
