Halifax Tides goalkeeper Erin McLeod announces retirement from professional soccer

Halifax Tides’ keeper Erin McLeod announces her retirement from professional soccer.

Erin McLeod is saying goodbye to the professional soccer pitch after an injury in the Northern Super League’s (NSL) inaugural season.

In a statement Tuesday morning, the Halifax Tides said McLeod, the first player to sign with the NSL team, suffered a season-ending injury, but has continued to be a part of the culture in Halifax, both on and off the pitch.

“On the field and in training it was inspiring to watch her compete, lead and put herself on the line physically in every training session. I think we were just seeing the best of Erin come out when she got injured in June,” said Amit Batra, sporting director for the Halifax Tides FC, in the statement.

“Erin’s arrival and presence in Halifax was about much more than football.”

McLeod signed with the Tides in October 2024, choosing Halifax to be closer to her family, as well as the legacy of wife Gunnhildur ‘Gunny’ Yrsa Jonsdottir.

In the statement, the Tides acknowledged the integral part McLeod has played in a leadership role for women’s soccer, not only on the East Coast, but across the country.

“Erin brought experience, knowledge, and a kind-style of leadership to help this club develop a tightknit locker room culture, and she did this all while becoming a new parent because of her love of the game and love for our country,” continued Batra.

“She could’ve easily retired earlier and gone on coaching and culture development, which are passions of hers, so we are honoured to have had Erin McLeod represent Halifax Tides in our inaugural year of the Northern Super League. I know the team, the fans and the community at large will miss her presence and we wish her all the best in her future.”

Halifax Tides FC will honour McLeod in a special post-match ceremony following their home game on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 3 p.m.

Starting the first professional soccer league in Canada was a dream McLeod didn’t know if she would see.

“This is not the way I imagined my final season ending but I am incredibly grateful for every moment I’ve had in this game,” the statement reads on behalf of McLeod.

“Halifax has welcomed me, made me a part of their community and given me a chance to be part of something historic with the Northern Super League. While I won’t be finishing this season on the pitch, I’m proud to have been part of this inaugural season.”

A two-time Olympic medallist with 119 appearances and 47 clean sheets for Canada, her professional career has spanned more than two decades and included 11 clubs across Canada, the United States, Germany, Sweden and Iceland.

““I’m so proud of her,” said Jonsdottir. “The career she has and has had, the impact she’s had. And being here in Canada, being able to retire in her home country is like a dream come true.

“And it also gave me the chance to see the impact she’s had on this country. We are maybe just walking down the street and people are like, ‘Erin McLeod!’ And it’s just so fun to see what type of role model she is here.”

McLeod is a former W-League champion (2004, 2006), a 2020 Olympic gold medallist, and a 2012 bronze medallist. She played in four FIFA Women’s World Cups and three Olympic Games.

“Representation is such an important part of sport, and this league is changing the way people, of all ages and genders, see women’s soccer,” said McLeod in the statement.

“It has been one of my greatest honours, in any way at all, to help promote the NSL and Halifax Tides FC, and hope to be connected with this league in some way in the future.”

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