Leesburg, VA. (December 5, 2023) – Loudoun United FC (LUFC) announced the re-signing of defender Yanis Leerman, extending his contract through 2024, pending league and federation approval.
“We are excited to welcome Yanis [Leerman] back and build on his 2023 season,” said Ryan Martin, Loudoun United FC Head Coach. “He has the ability to become one of the best defenders in the league and we look forward to helping him get there. He is a tremendous competitor, who is elite on the ball and helping build out of the back.”
Leerman returns to the Red-and-White after a commendable performance during the 2023 season. The French defender started in 24 matches, recording one assist. Notably, he led the team in crucial defensive statistics, topping the charts in clearances (103), interceptions (50) and aerial duels won (53). Leerman played a pivotal role in Loudoun’s successful possession-based style of play, boasting an impressive 85.7% passing accuracy with 1,346 passes, ranking him second-highest on the LUFC roster.
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: 25
Birthplace: Troyes, France
Height: 6’2”
Status: International
