SANDY, Utah (Monday, February 3, 2020) – Utah Royals FC midfielder Mandy Laddish has announced her retirement from professional soccer.
“A career that ends due to injury is nothing short of heartbreaking. I am not the first, and I won’t be the last. It is the nature of our sport and it is the risk we take in hopes of achieving our dreams. Although it’s ending sooner than I’d like, my career was nothing short of extraordinary and I loved every minute of it. There are so many people who have played a role in making me the person and player I am today. I am eternally grateful for the coaches who believed in me, the teammates who challenged me to be better on and off the field, and my family whose unwavering support has carried me since I was three years old. I’d also like to extend a massive thank you to Utah Royals FC, the entire Real Salt Lake organization, medical staff, and all Royals fans. My time with the Royals was a fantastic experience and I wouldn’t want to finish my career anywhere else. YOu all were there with me as I fought my way back onto the field, you helped life me up, provided support and guidance, and served as a constant inspiration. THANK YOU! Royals forever,” Laddish said.
“This past season we were fortunate enough to watch Mandy return to the pitch after over two years of batting back from multiple hip surgeries. Her resilience to return was inspiring. We are grateful for the two years that she spent with us and wish her nothing but the best in the coming years,”General Manager Stephanie Lee said.
Earlier this year Laddish made her triumphant return to the pitch after suffering a near career-ending injury in 2016. Upon her return she made 11 appearances for Utah Royals FC, nine of which were starts. Laddish ends her career with one goal and three assists in 48 games played. Additionally, she was part of the squad that won back-to-back National Women’s Soccer League Championships in 2014 and 2015.
Additionally, Royals FC has waived the rights to defender Rebecca Moros. In two seasons with Utah Moros appeared in 30 matches.
Utah Royals FC season tickets are on sale now at UtahRoyalsFC.com or by calling 844.REAL.TIX. The club is preparing for the start of its third season in the National Women’s Soccer League.
