MADISON, WI: Forward Madison FC and Chicago Fire FC have agreed to a deal for Eric Leonard. The four-year Madison standout will join the Fire organization for the 2023 season. Leonard has been a key part of Forward Madison’s success both on and off the field since the Club launched in 2019. Leonard’s work ethic and dedication has helped establish the expectations for players to come. Forward is beyond proud of the 27-year-old defender and excited to see what he can accomplish with the Fire.
“Eric has been a fantastic leader and standard bearer for our club since its inception,” Head Coach Matt Glaeser said. “While his qualities will be missed here in Madison we are happy for Eric and want what’s best for him. It’s exciting for Forward Madison to continue enhancing our reputation for development.”
Before Leonard began his professional soccer career, the Illinois native played for the Chicago Sockers in 2014 in the National Professional Soccer League. Leonard went on to attend Butler University, where he spent four seasons playing collegiately for the Bulldogs. Over his time with the Bulldogs, Leonard made 73 appearances and tallied six goals. He earned Big East All-Rookie Team honors during his freshman season and he served as the team’s captain his senior season.
Following four strong seasons at Butler, Leonard joined OKC Energy U23 in the Premier Development League for the 2017 season. There, the defender made 13 regular season appearances and scored one goal, while he played a key role in helping to lead his team to the playoffs. Following his one season with the OKC Energy U23, Leonard joined the Australian club Nerang SC in the Gold Coast Premier League. He ended up winning the Gold Coast Premier League Players’ Player of the Year award in his only season with Nerang SC.
After the 2018 season, Leonard finally found a home in Madison. In four seasons with the club, Leonard tallied over 7,500 minutes on the field, while he accumulated two assists and a goal. Leonard’s stellar play had an immediate impact on the squad chemistry and helped lead FMFC to its first ever playoff berth in 2019. In his final season with the Flamingos, Leonard started in 27 games and led his squad in significant defensive statistics: clearances (94), blocks (19), and interceptions (46).
“Forward Madison FC. My home, my second family, and my first professional contract to play the sport I love in the U.S. To the city, the owners, coaches, players, staff, and most importantly, the fans, thank you. You will forever hold a special place in my heart. Thank you Madison, this isn’t a goodbye, it’s a see you later,” Leonard said.
Leonard’s impact on the club could not be understated by the FMFC coaching staff. Forward Madison’s Director of Soccer Operations and Development Keith Tiemeyer shared that Leonard always, “had a strong desire to be involved with the fans and thank the fans after every game. [We’ve] always appreciated his engagements with the front office staff and community. We wish him the best with his future soccer endeavors!”
Leonard was not only a leader on the field, but he was also a leader off the pitch. Over his four seasons with FMFC, Leonard consistently volunteered to attend and lead community and charitable events. Ever since his arrival in Madison, Leonard always went out of his way to meet and take photos or sign autographs for young fans. Forward Madison’s supporters and the Forward Madison community will truly miss Leonard’s love for the community, illustrated in his most recent “Name That Tune” trivia game that he hosted in the Forward Club. Aside from being a leader in the Forward Madison community, Leonard built upon his legacy with the writing and release of his own book, “The GBA Mentality: How To Achieve 1% More”. Half of the book’s proceeds are being donated to help fund local non-profit soccer clubs in the Madison area.
