It’s that time again—buckle up, soccer fans! The NWSL season is officially back in action, and what better way to kick things off than with an absolute banger of a rivalry? The Southern California showdown between Angel City FC and San Diego Wave FC is set to light up BMO Stadium on Sunday, March 16, serving up all the drama, intensity, and edge-of-your-seat action we’ve been craving. But this matchup is bigger than just soccer. Following the heartbreaking fires that tore through SoCal earlier this year, Angel City launched their Seats of Strength initiative, allowing fans to purchase tickets for first responders and those affected by the devastation.

And now? Their rivals down south are stepping up too, making this more than just a battle on the field—it’s a movement. But just when the excitement couldn’t get any higher, plot twist! Hours before Angel City’s huge home opener, one of their biggest stars just made a game-changing mental health decision that’s got the soccer world buzzing.

Angel City’s star, Sydney Leroux, just dropped some major news, and it’s got fans feeling every emotion. Taking to Instagram, the Angel City FC star got real about her decision, saying, “THIS IS ONE OF THE HARDEST THINGS I’VE EVER HAD TO SAY OR ADMIT TO MYSELF. BUT AFTER A LOT OF REFLECTION, I’VE MADE THE DIFFICULT DECISION TO STEP AWAY FROM SOCCER FOR MY MENTAL HEALTH.” If there’s one thing everyone knows about Sydney, it’s that she’s a fighter. She’s always been the one to push through, to show up, to give everything she has—no matter what.

But this time? She’s choosing herself. “RIGHT NOW, I OWE IT TO MYSELF AND MY CHILDREN TO TAKE A STEP BACK AND TAKE CARE OF ME.” And because she knows how people love to speculate, she made sure to clear things up before the internet could run wild. In her caption, she wrote, “Taking a break from soccer to focus on my mental health was a really tough decision but I know it’s the best choice. Also I know some of you can get a little carried away so I wanted to squash the pregnancy rumors right away 😩😂”

But don’t get it twisted—this isn’t goodbye. Sydney made that very clear: “I’VE ALWAYS PRIDED MYSELF ON BEING HONEST, AUTHENTIC, AND TRUE TO WHO I AM BOTH ON AND OFF THE FIELD, AND THIS MOMENT IS NO DIFFERENT.” And just to drive the point home, she ended with a promise: “I WILL BE BACK, JUST LIKE ALWAYS. IN TRUE SYD FASHION.” No doubt about it—when Sydney Leroux says she’s coming back, you know she means it.

Sydney Leroux’s got a resume stacked with gold—over 75 caps, an Olympic title in 2012, and a World Cup win in 2015. She’s been in the NWSL since day one, making her pro debut with the Boston Breakers before bouncing to the Seattle Reign, Western New York Flash, and FC Kansas City. But right now? It’s not about the game. It’s about her. Taking a step back for mental health is no easy call, but she’s not the first to do it—and she sure won’t be the last.

Another Angel City star steps back for mental health!

Back in 2021, Christen Press hit pause, taking to Instagram to share that she was stepping away from soccer for a while to focus on her mental health, spiritual growth, and grief. The USWNT star, who had spent a decade dominating the field, left Manchester United and became the first-ever signing for Angel City FC. But even with an ironclad commitment to the game, she admitted that the relentless grind had left little space for anything else. “I’m very proud of the fact that I’ve been available for nearly every professional match for both club and country,” she shared, “and yet, that has come with a focus, intensity, and prioritization that has left little room for much else.”

Fast forward, and her return wasn’t all smooth sailing. Press made a comeback but was hit with an ACL injury in 2022 that forced her off the field again. The road to recovery was long and grueling—four surgeries, countless setbacks, and months of rehab that tested her resilience like never before. But now? Nearly two years later, she’s back. Angel City FC officially announced her return to training, and soccer fans couldn’t be more thrilled. After everything, Press is proof that the toughest battles often lead to the most legendary comebacks.

And speaking of comebacks… Sydney Leroux, take notes! Just like Christen, Sydney’s stepping away for her well-being, but if history has taught us anything, it’s that stars like her don’t stay away forever. Whether it’s months or years down the road, don’t be surprised if she storms back onto the pitch, ready to make magic happen once again.