Loudoun United FC Extend Defender Yanis Leerman Through 2025
Leesburg, VA. (December 6th, 2024) – Loudoun United FC today announced that the club has extended defender Yanis Leerman to a one-year contract through the 2025 season, pending league and federation approval.
“Yanis will be a key part of the 2025 team, we are very happy to have him back. After dealing with a lot of injuries in 2023 and the start of 2024, the best is ahead of him.” – Head Coach, Ryan Martin “His pace to cover in behind matched with the ability to break lines make him a unique center back in this league. He is key in the way we want to play.”
“We are excited to bring back a talented defender in Yanis. He was an integral part of our improvement in 2024 as the club looks to be more than just a spectator in the USL playoff race every year.” – Director of Soccer, Olly Gage “There is no doubt that in 2025, Yanis will be set up to have his best year yet without entering preseason fresh off major surgery as he was in 2024.”
“I am very excited to keep building on what we’ve been working on this past season. We have a lot of players returning to the club that are hungry for more and ready to put in work.” – Yannis Leerman “Can’t wait for us to come together again and achieve our goals as a club.”
Leerman returns to the Red-and-White after a commendable performance during the 2024 season. The French defender started in 29 matches across all competitions, recording one assist.
Originally signing with Loudoun United on January 18, 2023, the six-foot-two-inch defender made his professional debut in a 3-1 victory over Memphis 901 FC on March 11, 2023. Leerman’s journey into professional soccer began when he was selected 85th overall in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft by the Chicago Fire.
Prior to his professional career, he showcased his talents at the University of Central Florida (UCF), where he played for the men’s soccer team from 2018 to 2021. In his freshman year, he started in all 16 matches, recording 1,460 minutes and securing a spot on the Third Team All-East Region. His sophomore year saw him start in 16 matches, playing 1,495 minutes and garnering recognition with First Team All-East Region, First Team All-AAC, and a place in TopDrawer Soccer’s Best XI Second Team.
Leerman’s achievements continued to accumulate as he progressed through his collegiate career. At the conclusion of his junior year, he was named to the United Soccer Coaches Second Team All-American squad and earned First Team All-AAC honors for the second time. As a senior, Leerman started in 17 matches, contributing one goal and three assists. Notably, he scored the first goal of his collegiate career in the AAC semifinals against Memphis on November 10, 2021, in a commanding 6-0 victory.
Following his undergraduate career at UCF, Leerman pursued further studies as a graduate student at the University of Pittsburgh, where he made appearances in 12 matches.
Player: Yanis Leerman
Position: Defender
Birthdate: 6/15/1998
Age: 26
Birthplace: Troyes, France
Height: 6’2”
Status: International
