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Breakers Trade Forward Sydney Leroux, Acquire Midfielder Kristie Mewis

The Breakers completed a trade for the ages on Monday, sending leading scorer Sydney Leroux to Seattle in exchange for standout midfielder Kristie Mewis.

By Nick Hemming
Patrick Smith

The Breakers traded the face of their franchise on Monday, sending icon forward Sydney Leroux to Seattle in exchange for midfielder Kritsie Mewis, goalkeeper Michelle Betos and Seattle's first-and-second-round picks in the 2015 NWSL College Draft.

Mewis, a 22-year-old native of Hanson, Mass., contributed one goal and one assist as a rookie last season. The U.S. International is widely regarded as one of the most sought after talents in women's soccer, joining a Boston side that highly-coveted the young midfielder.

"I have been trying to get Kristie in a Breakers jersey since January," said Breakers GM Lee Billiard. "It has taken the better part of a year, but we have finally been able to bring Kristie back home. She is a fantastic player who has proven herself at the international level, and as a homegrown talent, will be able to connect with our fan base."

After a standout career at Boston College, Mewis served as the third overall pick in the 2013 NWSL draft, joining FC Kansas City as a much-celebrated addition. In February, Mewis earned her first cap with the U.S. Women's National Team; four months later, the midfielder earned her first international goal, scoring against Korea Republic on June 15. Mewis joined Seattle Reign FC just two weeks ago in an early-November trade for forward Amy Rodriguez.

For Leroux, the Breakers leading scorer in 2013 (11 goals) and the second-leading scorer league wide, the trade to Seattle presents an opportunity to return home. The NWSL Best XI First Team representative played for the Seattle Sounders women in 2012, where she won an Olympic gold medal with the U.S. Women's National Team.

"I would like to thank the Boston Breakers organization, my teammates, and the fans for a wonderful experience last year," Leroux said. "I truly enjoyed my time in Boston and have many great memories, but I had a strong desire to be closer to my family in the Pacific Northwest. While I am sad to leave the Breakers, I appreciate their accommodating of my request and wish everyone well."

Betos, 25, made seven starts for Seattle in 2013, and will rejoin the Breakers after a stint with the Boston Aztec Breakers reserves in 2011. The Brooklyn, N.Y. native most recently played for Apollon Limassol in the UEFA Women's Chamions League, joining Boston mainstays Lianne Sanderson and Joanna Lohman.

By acquiring Mewis and Betos, the Breakers built upon a busy off-season, bolstering a roster than will include recently-acquired forward Courtney Jones and midfielder Kaylyn Kyle.

Stay tuned for in-depth analysis as The Bent Musket breaks down the addition of Kristie Mewis.

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