Abby Wambach, Sydney Leroux traded in NWSL blockbuster

U.S. women’s national team stars Abby Wambach and Sydney Leroux were traded by their National Women’s Soccer League teams, the league announced Monday.

The Western New York Flash acquired Leroux and defender Amanda Frisbie, while Seattle Reign FC get the rights to Wambach, midfielder Amber Brooks and the Flash’s 2016 first-round college draft pick in the trade.

Wambach announced earlier this month that she will not play in the NWSL this season in order to focus on this summer’s World Cup.

“We understand and support her decision to focus on the World Cup this season,” Seattle head coach and GM Laura Harvey said in a statement. “The contribution she is capable of making is obvious, so we will welcome her to our club at whatever point she is ready to rejoin the league.”

The nine-team NWSL is entering its third season. The Reign won the regular season title in 2014 and the Flash won in 2013. The league was founded after Women’s Professional Soccer folded in 2012.

The Women’s World Cup is being hosted in Canada and will begin on June 6.

(Via Sports Illustrated)